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Hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops

About hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops

Type of medicine Ocular lubricant
Used for To relieve dryness and irritation caused by a reduced flow of tears
Also called Minims Artificial Tears
Available as Single dose eye drops

Hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops work by lubricating the surface of eyes that are too dry

Before using hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops

Before using hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
  • if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops

  1. Wash your hands well before use.
  2. Remove the cap of the single dose container.
  3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a pocket.
  4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle.
  5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops.
  6. Close the eye, and keep the eye closed for a minute or two.
  7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use hydroxyethylcellulose in both eyes
  8. Replace the outer cap of the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything (including the eye or the fingers).
  9. Throw away the container straight away after use.
  10. Wash your hands.
  11. Apply the drops as often as needed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you wear hard contact lenses, remove them before using these eye drops. Leave them out for at least half an hour before putting them back.
  • If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
  • If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between each one. Hydroxyethylcellulose should always be the last eye medication used.
  • When first put in, the eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Can hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common problems that people experience when using hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops are shown bellow:

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Mild stinging in the eyes This should soon disappear as your eyes adjust to the new drops
Blurred vision This usually disappears within a few minutes of applying the eye drops. Do not drive or use machinery unless your vision is clear

If any of these effects continue or become severe or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store hydroxyethylcellulose eye drops

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Discard each single dose container straight away after use.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking or using any medicine.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much or swallowed any of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3661		 DocRef:
dils3410		 Last Updated:
28 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
27 Feb 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

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See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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