Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose
About
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose belongs to the group of 'ophthalmic medication,' primarily used to treat dry eyes. A dry eye is an eye condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide ample lubrication for the eyes. Symptoms include a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a feeling of having something in your eyes, watery eyes, and blurred vision.
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose contains sodium carboxymethylcellulose, an eye lubricant. It works similar to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning sensation and discomfort by providing lubrication of the eyes and acting as a protectant against further irritation.
Use Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to use Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. The most common side effects of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose are irritation, itching, and blurred vision. They do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose is for ophthalmic use only. If you wear contact lenses or are wearing them, remove them before using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to this medicine, or taking any other medication. It is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery after using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose as it may cause blurring of vision and affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose
Medicinal Benefits
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose is an eye lubricant, also known as artificial tears. It works similarly to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to the eye's dryness by maintaining proper lubrication of the eyes and acting as a protectant against further irritation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose
- Itching
- Irritation
- Eye discomfort
- Burning sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Avoid touching the eyedropper with bare hands or to the eyelids while administering drops since it contaminates the dropper tip and solution. Replace the cap tightly after each use. Do not use the solution if it changes colour and is cloudy in appearance. Consult a doctor if you experience eye pain, vision changes, continued redness, or eye irritation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before using the Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionSodium Carboxymethylcellulose may cause temporary blurring of vision. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machinery.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using the Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionSodium Carboxymethylcellulose is not recommended for children below three years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
- Regularly wash and change the pillowcases.
- If you wear contact lenses: Clean and replace contact lenses more often. Never share contact lenses. Always remember to wash your hands before inserting the contact lens.
- Avoid staring at digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes every 20 minutes.
- Blink regularly as it helps spread hydrating substances such as mucus and tears across the eyes.
Special Advise
- If the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy, do not use it.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry eye: Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears cannot provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. The tearing instability leads to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface. Symptoms include burning sensation, sensitivity to light, eye redness, a sensation of having something in your eyes, watery eyes, and blurred vision. It is caused by the disruption of the healthy tear film due to hormonal changes, autoimmune disease, inflamed eyelid glands, ageing, using contact lenses, and using medications like antihistamines (fexofenadine).
FAQs
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose works similarly to natural tears and provides temporary relief from burning and discomfort due to the eye's dryness by maintaining proper lubrication of the eyes.
You should not use Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose if you are wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses or are wearing them, remove them before using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, and you can put them back 15 minutes after using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.
No, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. At least a gap of 5 to 10 minutes should be maintained between two eye medications.
Yes, using Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose can cause temporary blurry vision. So, please do not drive or operate machinery until your vision is clear.
