Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

• Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Lacrisert

Common side effects of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic include:

• eye discomfort/irritation/redness
• tearing
• eye sensitivity to light
• sticky eyelashes
• temporary blurred vision or eyelid swelling

Serious side effects of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic include:

• eye redness/irritation that doesn't go away
• eye pain
• swelling in or around the eyes
• vision changes

Rare side effects of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Ophthalmic insert

• 5 mg/insert

Dry eye syndrome

Adult dosage

• Using the supplied applicator, place one ophthalmic insert in each eye once a day; some patients may require twice daily dosing
• Optimal results may not be observed for several weeks

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs
• Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs
• Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs
• Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Carefully follow instructions for inserting and removing the insert
• Improper placement may cause corneal abrasion
• Transient blurred vision is common after insertion; use caution when operating hazardous machinery or driving
• May be inadvertently expelled from the eye, especially in patients with shallow conjunctival fornices
• Avoid rubbing the eye(s) containing the insert, especially upon awakening, so as not to dislodge or expel the insert; if required, another insert may be administered
• Not for use in conjunction with hot laser treatment
• If the solution dries on optical surfaces, let them stand in cool water before cleansing

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Generally acceptable during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Unlikely to be distributed in breast milk