Hypromellose (Intraocular)

Hypromellose is used as a surgical aid in some eye surgeries, like cataract removal and lens implantation. It helps keep the shape of the eye during surgery and protects the eye tissues from damage caused by surgical instruments.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Your doctor will want to check how you are doing at regular visits during the first few weeks after you receive this medicine.

Serious eye problems may happen after treatment with this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful, or if you notice a change in your vision several days after your treatment. Also inform your doctor if you experience headaches, nausea, or excessive eye tearing.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of taking the medicine compared to the benefits it will provide. 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 tell your healthcare professional if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of hypromellose.

Geriatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in the elderly that would limit the usefulness of hypromellose.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine if there is a risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the potential risks before using 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 is possible. In these situations, your doctor might want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around mealtime or with certain foods because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Diabetes—May make side effects worse.

• Glaucoma, history of—May worsen this condition.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Blurred vision
• Change in vision
• Decreased vision
• Loss of vision

Less common

• Pain in the eye
• Redness of the white part of the eye or inside of the eyelid
• Sensitivity of the eye to light
• Tearing of the eye
• Throbbing eye pain

Rare

• Pooling of a whitish fluid visible on the colored part of the eye

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 may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Lubricant, Ocular

A doctor will give you this medicine during your eye surgery.