Gonak (Ophthalmic)

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is part of a group of medicines called artificial tears. It is used to relieve dryness and irritation from low tear production. It helps protect the eye from damage in certain eye conditions. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can also be used to wet hard contact lenses and artificial eyes. Additionally, it may be used during some eye exams.

Some of these products are available only with your doctor's prescription.

If you have eye pain, changes in vision, ongoing redness or irritation in your eye, or if your symptoms last more than 3 days or get worse, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it may provide. This is a choice that you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in children to its use in other age groups. However, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in older people with its use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older people compared to younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Eye irritation not present before using this medicine

Some side effects may happen that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

more common with 1% solution

• Blurred vision
• matting or stickiness of eyelashes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Genteal
• Genteal Mild
• Gonak
• Goniosoft
• Goniovisc
• Isopto Tears
• Nature's Tears
• Tearisol
• Tears Again Mc

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Surgical Aid, Ocular

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients wearing hard contact lenses:

• Take care not to float the lens from your eye when applying this medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For dry eyes: For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form: Adults and children—Use 1 drop three or four times a day.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.