Hypromellose (Intraocular)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2022.

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Lubricant, Ocular

Uses for hypromellose

Hypromellose is used as a surgical aid in certain eye surgeries, such as cataract removal and lens implantation procedures. It helps maintain the shape of the eye during surgery as well as protect the tissues of the eye from damage due to surgical instruments.

Hypromellose is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using hypromellose

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hypromellose, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hypromellose or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hypromellose in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hypromellose in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell 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 at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of hypromellose. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Diabetes—May cause side effects to become worse.

• Glaucoma, history of—May make this condition worse.

Proper use of hypromellose

A doctor will give you hypromellose during your eye surgery.