Carboxymethylcellulose Eye Drops

Carboxymethylcellulose eye drops are a sterile ophthalmic solution. It is used as a lubricant to treat dry eyes. There are various causes of dry eyes such as excessive computer/laptop use, wind, heating/air-conditioning, sun, and certain medications.

Carboxymethylcellulose eye drops help keep the eye moist and protect it from any infections or injury. However, these eye drops have a mild side effect profile. If the symptoms worsen or persist, it is best to consult with your health care provider.

Active Ingredients

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%

It also contains magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, and sodium lactate. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be present in small amounts to adjust the pH.

Uses of carboxymethylcellulose eye drops

We can treat the following conditions with carboxymethylcellulose eye drops:

1. Dry eyes
2. Keratoconjunctivitissicca (Inflammation and dryness in cornea and conjunctiva)
3. Irritation and discomfort associated with lens wear

Causes of dry eyes

There are several causes that can specifically result in dry and irritated eyes:

1. Excessive computer or laptop usage
2. Using contact lenses
3. Laser eye surgery (LASIK)
4. Allergies in the eye
5. Certain medications
6. Pregnancy
7. Women recieving hormone replacement therapy
8. Reading
9. Weather conditions (such as wind, sun, and cold winds)

Forms of medication available

1. Drops (5 mg)
2. Ointment (10 mg)

How carboxymethylcellulose eye drops work?

Carboxymethylcellulose eye drops work as a lubricant to ease the dryness of the eyes. They act as natural tears. Furthermore, they stabilize the natural tear film and providetemporary relief from irritation and burning in the eyes.

Dosage

Use 1 to 2 drops into each eye, 2 to 4 times per day.

Directions to use

Follow all the directions given on the leaflet that comes with thecarboxymethylcellulose eye drops. If you have any queries, ask your doctor or physician from time to time to guide you accordingly.

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium drops

1. Wash your hands first.
2. Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper to any surface or your eye in any case to avoid the risk of contamination.
3. Tilt your head back while lying down, look up and pull the lower eyelid down to create a pouch.
4. Instill 1-2 drops of sodium carboxymethylcelluloseeye drops into the pouch.
5. Release the eyelid gently and close your eyes at the same time for 1-2 minutes.
6. Dab off the excess drops with a clean tissue.
7. Repeat the same procedure for the other eye.
8. You can use the sodium carboxymethylcellulose drops as often as needed and as long as required.

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ointment

1. Wash your hands before using the medication.
2. Avoid touching the tip of the tube with any contaminated surface.
3. Tilt your head back, pull your lower eyelid to create a pouch.
4. Squeeze a small amount of the sodium carboxymethylcelluloseointment into the pouch carefully.
5. Close your eyes gently and roll your eyes to spread the ointment evenly across the eye.
6. Clean off any excess product with a clean tissue.
7. You can use the sodium carboxymethylcellulose ointments 1-2 times daily. If you are advised to use it once daily, use it at night before going to sleep.

Precautions to use carboxymethylcellulose eye drops

• Do not use the carboxymethylcelluloseeye drops if they have changed colour or become cloudy. Some eye drops have a milky appearance. It is okay to use them as long as they do not change colour.
• Follow the instructions carefully. Some eye drops should be shaken before use. If your product needs to be shaken before use, in that case, go ahead as directed.
• Check to make sure the seal is intact before use. In case the seal is broken, do not use the medication.
• Do not share this medication with other people to limit the spread of infection from one person to another.
• Replace the cap after use.
• When using the carboxymethylcellulose eye drops, place one finger at the side of your nose. This will prevent the medication from going elsewhere and will remain in the eye.
• If you wear contact lenses, consult with your doctor whether you should use the eye drops or not. Remove the lenses before using eye drops. Some eye drops can be used with contact lenses. Use the lubricant as directed.
• If you are allergic to the medication, inform your doctor before using the eye drop.
• Do not drive or perform any activity which requires a clear vision, given that this product can cause temporary blurred vision.
• Use eye drops before ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
• Do not ingest the medication. The carboxymethylcellulose eye drops are for external use only. Otherwise, it can result in overdosage.
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets like cats & Dogs.

Side Effects of carboxymethylcellulose eye drops

Most people using sodium carboxymethylcellulose eye drops do not experience any side effects. Nevertheless, side effects are prone to occur in some population, and these include:

1. Blurred vision
2. Burning and irritation in the eye
3. Redness in the eye

Interaction with other medications

If you use any other medication in the eye, always inform your doctor or pharmacist before using carboxymethylcellulose eye drops. Keep a list of all the medicines with you and show it to your doctor. Above all, do not start or stop any medication by yourself without consulting your doctor. When you use the carboxymethylcellulose eye drops, wait for about 5 minutes before using any other medication.Also, inform your doctor about any other health conditions you are suffering from.

Drugs that increase the severity and risk of side effects

1. Osmotic diuretics (such as Acetazolamide)
2. Alloin
3. Amiloride
4. Benzthiazide
5. Bisacodyl
6. Bumetanide
7. Canagliflozin
8. Castor oil
9. Loop diuretics (such as Furosemide)
10.  Thiazide diuretics (such as Hydrochlorothiazide)

Drugs that decrease the therapeutic effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose

1. Aclidinium
2. Amantadine
3. Amiodarone
4. Amlodipine
5. Aripiprazole
6. Atracurium
7. Atropine
8. Benzatropine
9. Biperiden
10. Butorphanol
11. Carfentanil
12. Carvedilol
13. Desipramine
14. Ethosuximide
15. Felodipine

How long can carboxymethylcellulose eye drops be used?

Use the carboxymethylcellulose eye drops as directed by your physician. Eye drops are generally meant to be used for a limited amount of time. Using them for an extended period can compromise the health of your eye. In summary, these eye drops are meant for temporary solutions of dry eyes or keratoconjunctivitis and not for long-term use.

Discard those lubricating eye drops which come without preservatives within 12 hours after opening without delay.

Mixture products:

Some mixture products provide better efficacy in treating dry and irritated eyes. These include:

1. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (1.0%) plus glycerine (0.25%)
2. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (5 mg) + Mineral oil (425 mg) + Petrolatum (573 mg)
3. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (0.25 %) + Hypromellose (0.3 %)

When to visit the doctor

Your doctor may prescribe you carboxymethylcellulose eye drops in the view that their benefits are greater than the risk of side effects. However, inform your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms or if the side effects worsen:

1. Eye pain
2. Redness in the eye
3. Allergic reaction to the product (although rare, but it can occur)
4. Change in vision

Overdosage

Carboxymethylcellulose eye drops can be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed on the medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible or the poison control center.

Overdosage means more frequent use of the drug than your doctor prescribed or used in higher doses than recommended.

Frequently asked questions