Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Description
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the main ingredient of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, is used in the form of eye drops as well as eye gels as an ocular lubricant for the treatment of dry eyes. It is also used in the form of injection as a surgical aid during certain eye surgeries.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Blurred vision
- Decrease/loss of vision
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing of the eye
- Redness in and around the eyes
Uses of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
What is it prescribed for?
- Dry eyes
- Eye surgery
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before administering/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is advised.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before administering/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using/receiving this medicine. If the medicine is used, close monitoring of the infant for any undesired side effects is advised.
General warnings
Driving or Operating machinery
Ophthalmic dosage form: Use of this medicine may cause blurred vision in some patients. If you experience blurred vision during treatment with this medicine, it is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Injectable dosage form: Since this medicine is administered during eye surgeries, your surgeon will give you appropriate instructions.
Contact lens
Ophthalmic dosage form: Some formulations of this medicine may discolor the lenses. Hence, it is advised that you consult your doctor as well as the pharmacist if you can use the contact lenses during treatment with this medicine. If usage of contact lenses is allowed, remove them before administration of the medicine and you can reinsert the contact lenses 10 to 15 minutes post administration.
Injectable dosage form: Since this medicine is administered during eye surgeries, your surgeon will give you appropriate instructions regarding the usage of contact lenses.
Missed Dose
Eye Drops/Eye Gel: Administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not instill a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: Since this medicine is usually given before and/or during a surgical procedure, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Eye Drops/Eye Gel: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Ophthalmic drugs
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Eye Drops/Eye Gel: Use this medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known history of allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
When used for eye dryness, it lubricates the eyes and relieves dryness. When used during eye surgery, it reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Ophthalmic lubricants and irrigations, Ophthalmic surgical agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 June 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Mhra.gov.uk. 2018 [cited 1 June 2018]. Available from:
Hypromellose - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 1 June 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Centaurpharma.com. 2018 [cited 31 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 31 Dec 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.