Indications
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (also called Carmellose Sodium) eye drops are artificial tears used to relieve dry, gritty, burning or tired eyes. Dryness can be caused by screen use, air conditioning, wind, contact lenses, ageing, certain medicines, or conditions such as dry eye disease. The drops are also used after some eye surgeries to keep the eye surface moist. The same substance is used as a thickener in many other medicines and foods.
How It Works
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is a water-loving thickener made from plant cellulose. In the eye it forms a smooth, slippery layer that holds water on the surface, replaces missing tears, reduces friction when blinking and protects the surface of the eye. It is not absorbed into the body.
Dosage and Administration
Usual use for adults and children: 1 or 2 drops in each affected eye as needed, often 3 to 4 times a day or as directed on the label. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and place the drop inside without touching the eye or lashes with the tip. Close the eye gently for a moment. Single-use vials should be thrown away after one use. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them and use the lubricating drops last.
Interactions
No significant interactions are known. Use it at least 5 minutes apart from other eye drops so that they are not washed out. Remove contact lenses before use unless the label says the product is suitable for use with lenses.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose or any other ingredient, including preservatives.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon and mild: brief blurred vision after putting in the drops, mild stinging, eye irritation, redness, or crusting on the eyelashes. Allergy to the preservative in some multi-dose bottles may cause itching or redness.
Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain, a sudden change in vision, severe redness or swelling of the eye or eyelids, or if symptoms get worse instead of better.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Lubricating eye drops act only on the surface of the eye and are not absorbed, so they are considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface, to avoid contamination.
- Vision may be blurred briefly; wait until it clears before driving.
- Do not use if the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy.
- See a doctor if dryness lasts more than 72 hours, or if you have eye pain, discharge or light sensitivity, which may suggest infection or another eye condition.
- Multi-dose bottles are usually discarded a set time after opening, as stated on the label.
Overdose
Using extra drops in the eye is not harmful; excess simply runs out. Accidental swallowing of a bottle is unlikely to cause problems other than mild stomach upset.
Therapeutic Class
Ocular lubricant (artificial tears); cellulose derivative.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and follow the discard time after opening shown on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.