Carboxymethyl cellulose

What is Carboxymethyl cellulose?

• Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone. It is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium

Carboxymethyl cellulose

What are the uses of this medicine?

Carboxymethyl cellulose is used:

• For the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun.
• May be used as a protectant against further irritation.
• CMC is used as in artificial tears.

How does this medicine work?

• The functional properties of CMC depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure [i.e., how many of the hydroxyl groups have been converted to carboxymethylene(oxy) groups in the substitution reaction], as well as the chain length of the cellulose backbone structure and the degree of clustering of the carboxymethyl substituents.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?

This medicine cannot be used if:

• you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product.
• solution changes color or becomes cloudy.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to mention any of the following:

• other ophthalmic drugs

Is this medicine FDA approved?

• Yes,it was FDA approved.

How should this medicine be used?

Recommended dosage:

• Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eyes as needed.

Administration:

• Do not touch the nozzle tip to any surface since this may contaminate the solution.
• Remove contact lenses before use Should not use at the same time as other ophthalmic drugs.
• Replace cap after using.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

• As solution/ drops, gel, ointment

 This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

• Tylose, SE Tylose, REFRESH TEARS LUBRICANT, REFRESH OPTIVE, REFRESH TEARS, REFRESH LIQUIGEL, ARTIFICIAL TEARS, REFRESH OPTIVE DROPS, REAL

What side effects can this medication cause?

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

• Effects on inflammation, microbiota-related metabolic syndrome, and colitis are a subject of research.

Carboxymethyl cellulose is suggested as a possible cause of inflammation of the gut, through alteration of the human gastrointestinal microbiota, and has been suggested as a triggering factor in inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

What special precautions should I follow?

• For external use only.
• To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface. Do not reuse.
• Once opened, discard.
• Do not touch unit-dose tip to eye.
• If solution changes color or becomes cloudy, do not use.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
• Remove contact lenses before use Should not use at the same time as other ophthalmic drugs.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a doctor before use.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have been established.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?

Active ingredient:

• Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%

Inactive ingredients:

• Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium chloride and sodium lactate. May also contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store at 59° - 86° F (15° - 30 C).
• RETAIN THIS PACKAGING FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

• Dailymed label info on Carboxymethyl cellulose
• FDA Carboxymethyl cellulose

Carboxymethyl cellulose Resources
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