Nature's Tears (Ophthalmic)

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is part of a group of medicines called artificial tears. It is used to relieve dryness and irritation when your eyes do not produce enough tears. It helps protect the eye from damage in some eye diseases. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can also be used to moisten hard contact lenses and artificial eyes. Additionally, it may be used during some eye exams.

Some of these products are available only with a prescription from your doctor.

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

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor should consider the risks of the medicine against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to think about:

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 about any other allergies you may have, 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 on how hydroxypropyl methylcellulose affects children compared to other age groups, but this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

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

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction is possible. In these cases, your doctor may need 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]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.

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

• Eye irritation not present before use of this medicine

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or 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 may 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.