Index
What condition is the use of hypromellose for?
Hypromellose is a compound that acts as an artificial tear, and serves to treat and alleviate discomforts such as burning, itching, and sensations and responses in the eyes due to allergies or exposure to environmental agents, among which are:
Hypermellose is used to treat:
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva or lining of the eye)
- Keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva)
- Blepharoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids)
- Exposure keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- Neuropathic keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Eye irritation from sun rays
- Eye irritation from dust
- Eye irritation from air
- Eye irritation from contact with chlorinated water (such as swimming pools)
- Eye irritation from contact with weak chemicals (such as acetic acid in vinegar)
- Eye irritation from exposure to intense light
Hypromellose also serves to lubricate the eye while wearing lenses such as:
- Gonioscopy contact lenses
- Three-mirror lenses
- Panfundoscopy lenses
- Other immersion lenses
Hypromellose eye drops.
All of them as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Hypromellose is a substance used exclusively in the doctor’s office and in the operating room for scanning procedures and laser treatments.
Recommended dose of hypromellose
Pharmaceutical products containing hypromellose have formulations such as the following:
- 0.5% solution: each milliliter contains 5mg of hypromellose, plus the vehicle cbp.
- 2% solution: each milliliter contains 20mg of hypromellose, plus the vehicle cbp.
The presentations are in a box with a dropper bottle. One of them with 10ml of the 0.5% solution; the other with 15ml of the 2% solution.
The recommended doses of hypromellose are:
- From the 0.5% solution: one or two drops in the bottom of the lower conjunctival sac, at the frequency indicated by the ophthalmologist. The usual is 3 to 7 times a day.
- From the 2% solution: a sufficient amount on the surface of the diagnostic contact lens to be placed on the cornea.
It is recommended, to avoid contamination of the dropper bottle, to avoid that the tip touches the surfaces.
Hypromellose contraindications
Hypromellose is a substance for ophthalmological application, which is only contraindicated in patients who are allergic to hypromellose or to the other components of the formula being used. No studies have been conducted indicating effects on carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis and on pregnant women. It is assumed that there are no risks in this regard.
Hypromellose side effects
The possible side effects of hypromellose are temporary and rare. Among them are:
- Burning sensation
- Blurry vision
- Adhesiveness on the eyelashes
- Temporary irritation
Since hypromellose is not absorbed into the body, it does not cause poisoning problems.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical opinion. Consult a doctor.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
