Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Generic Name: hydroxypropyl cellulose

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Lacrisert

DESCRIPTION LACRISERT ® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped, water soluble, ophthalmic insert made of hydroxypropyl cellulose, for administration into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye. The chemical name for hydroxypropyl cellulose is cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether. It is an ether of cellulose in which hydroxypropyl groups (-CH 2 CHOHCH 3 ) are attached to the hydroxyls present in the anhydroglucose rings of cellulose by ether linkages.

Overview

DESCRIPTION LACRISERT ® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped, water soluble, ophthalmic insert made of hydroxypropyl cellulose, for administration into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye. The chemical name for hydroxypropyl cellulose is cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether. It is an ether of cellulose in which hydroxypropyl groups (-CH 2 CHOHCH 3 ) are attached to the hydroxyls present in the anhydroglucose rings of cellulose by ether linkages.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE LACRISERT is indicated in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT is also indicated for patients with: Exposure keratitis Decreased corneal sensitivity Recurrent corneal erosions

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One LACRISERT ophthalmic insert in each eye once daily is usually sufficient to relieve the symptoms associated with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes. Individual patients may require more flexibility in the use of LACRISERT; some patients may require twice daily use for optimal results. Clinical experience with LACRISERT indicates that in some patients several weeks may be required before satisfactory improvement of symptoms is achieved. LACRISERT is inserted into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye beneath the base of the tarsus, not in apposition to the cornea, nor beneath the eyelid at the level of the tarsal plate. If not properly positioned, it will be expelled into the interpalpebral fissure, and may cause symptoms of a foreign body.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients treated with LACRISERT, but were in most instances mild and transient: Transient blurring of vision (see PRECAUTIONS ) Ocular discomfort or irritation Matting or stickiness of eyelashes Photophobia Hypersensitivity Edema of the eyelids Hyperemia To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

Drug Interactions Application of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts to the eyes of unanesthetized rabbits immediately prior to or two hours before instilling pilocarpine, proparacaine HCl (0.5%), or phenylephrine (5%) did not markedly alter the magnitude and/or duration of the miotic, local corneal anesthetic, or mydriatic activity, respectively, of these agents. Under various treatment schedules, the anti-inflammatory effect of ocularly instilled dexamethasone (0.1%) in unanesthetized rabbits with primary uveitis was not affected by the presence of hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts.

Warnings

WARNINGS Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT should be carefully followed. CONTRAINDICATIONS LACRISERT is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Storage

Storage Store below 30°C (86°F).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE LACRISERT is indicated in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT is also indicated for patients with: Exposure keratitis Decreased corneal sensitivity Recurrent corneal erosions

What are the side effects of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients treated with LACRISERT, but were in most instances mild and transient: Transient blurring of vision (see PRECAUTIONS ) Ocular discomfort or irritation Matting or stickiness of eyelashes Photophobia Hypersensitivity Edema of the eyelids Hyperemia To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch & Lomb Incorporated at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are the important warnings for Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

WARNINGS Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT should be carefully followed. CONTRAINDICATIONS LACRISERT is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.