hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) ophthalmic is a sterile, non-preserved, clear, viscous solution that is used as an ocular lubricant for the relief of dry eye syndrome. The mechanism of action of HPC ophthalmic is primarily physical and mechanical rather than pharmacological. 

• hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic acts as a lubricant and wetting agent on the ocular surface, increasing tear film stability and reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. HPC is a hydrophilic polymer that forms a film over the ocular surface, preventing evaporation of the tear film and reducing the exposure of the ocular surface to the environment. The film also helps to retain moisture on the ocular surface, reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, such as itching, burning, and foreign body sensation. 

• hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic has a broad spectrum of activity and can be used in managing various dry eye conditions, including aqueous-deficient dry eye, evaporative dry eye, and mixed dry eye. It can also manage dry eye associated with contact lens wear, refractive surgery, or exposure to environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or dry air. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Ocular discomfort or irritation 

Photophobia 

Edema of the eyelids 

Transient blurred vision 

Matting or stickiness of eyelashes 

Hypersensitivity 

Hyperemia 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Allergy: People allergic to hydroxypropyl cellulose or any other ingredient in eye drops should not use this medication. 
• Eye infection: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic should not be used if you have an eye infection or recently had eye surgery. The medication may delay healing or make the infection worse. 
• Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic eye drops. You should wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Whether hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is unknown. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should talk to your doctor before using this medication. 
• Children: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic has not been studied in children under 18. It is unknown whether it is safe or effective for this age group. 

Caution: 

• Eye irritation: If you experience any irritation or discomfort in your eyes after using hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic, you should stop using the medication and contact your healthcare provider. 
• Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetes, you should talk to your doctor before using hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic. 
• Other medications: If you take other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins, you should tell your healthcare provider before using hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic. The medication may interact with other drugs. 
• Driving and operating machinery: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic may cause temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Waiting until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery is essential. 
• Storage: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature and kept out of children’s reach. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: A 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is a water-soluble polymer that forms a lubricating film on the eye’s surface. This film helps to retain moisture and lubricate the eye, reducing the symptoms of dry eyes 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic involves its mechanism of action in providing relief from dry eyes. hydroxypropyl cellulose is a water-soluble polymer that forms a protective film over the eye’s surface.  

• This film acts as a lubricant, providing a barrier that helps reduce the evaporation of tears and retain moisture on the eye’s surface. The film also helps prevent damage to the eye’s surface caused by blinking. 
• The viscosity of hydroxypropyl cellulose is an essential factor in its effectiveness. It has a high viscosity, which means it can form a long-lasting protective film over the eye’s surface. This film helps reduce friction between the eyelid and the eye’s surface, relieving the symptoms of dry eyes, such as itching, burning, and foreign body sensation. 
• hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic has been shown to increase tear film stability and improve tear break-up time, which are essential factors in maintaining the health of the ocular surface. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase mucin production, a component of the tear film that helps lubricate the eye’s surface. 
• Overall, the pharmacodynamics of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic involve its ability to form a protective film over the eye’s surface, which helps to reduce the evaporation of tears, improve tear film stability, reduce inflammation, and increase the production of mucin. These effects provide relief from the symptoms of dry eyes and help to maintain the health of the ocular surface. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is applied topically to the eye’s surface as eye drops. When applied, it forms a lubricating film over the eye’s surface, which helps reduce tears’ evaporation and maintain moisture on the ocular surface. The drug is not absorbed systemically, meaning it does not enter the bloodstream.  

Distribution 

Since hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not undergo distribution in the body.  

Metabolism 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is not metabolized by the body, as it is a synthetic polymer and not a naturally occurring substance.  

Elimination and Elimination 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is eliminated primarily through the tear ducts. When applied, the drug forms a lubricating film over the eye’s surface, slowly cleared away by the natural flow of tears. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is administered as eye drops. Here are the general steps for administering hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic: 

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 
• Shake the bottle of eye drops well before use. 
• Tilt your head back and look up. 
• Use your index finger to pull down the lower eyelid of the affected eye, creating a small pocket. 
• Hold the bottle of eye drops over the pocket and squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, as this can contaminate the solution. 
• Release your lower eyelid and close your eye for a few seconds to allow the drops to spread over the eye’s surface. 
• Press on the inner corner of your eye with clean tissue for 1-2 minutes to prevent the drops from draining into your tear duct and being absorbed systemically. 
• Repeat the process for the other eye if needed. 
• Recap the bottle and store it in a cool, dry place. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic 

Why do we use hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic? 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic is primarily used to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly from the eye’s surface. Symptoms of dry eyes can include: 

• A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Redness and inflammation of the eyes 
• Blurred vision 
• A feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eyes 

hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic works by forming a protective film over the eye’s surface, which helps to reduce the evaporation of tears and maintain moisture on the ocular surface. This can provide relief from the symptoms of dry eyes and improve the overall health of the ocular surface.