Hydroxypropyl cellulose (Ophthalmic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Lacrisert

Available Dosage Forms:

• Device

Therapeutic Class: Lubricant, Ocular

Uses for hydroxypropyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl cellulose belongs to the group of medicines known as artificial tears. It is inserted in the eye to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow that occurs in certain eye diseases.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using hydroxypropyl cellulose

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hydroxypropyl cellulose, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxypropyl cellulose or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl cellulose in children with use in other age groups, hydroxypropyl cellulose is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of hydroxypropyl cellulose in the elderly with use in other age groups, hydroxypropyl cellulose is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of hydroxypropyl cellulose

To use:

• Hydroxypropyl cellulose usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using hydroxypropyl cellulose. It is very important that you understand how to insert this eye system properly. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• Before opening the package containing hydroxypropyl cellulose, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• If the eye system accidentally comes out of your eye, as sometimes occurs when the eye is rubbed, do not put it back in the eye, since it may be contaminated. Instead, insert another eye system if needed.
• You may have to use hy...