Hypromellose Eye Drops 0.5% (5 mg/mL) 0.4 mL

● US reference (OTC): for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye, and for use as a protectant against further irritation [1] ● UK reference: provides tear-like lubrication for the symptomatic relief of dry eyes and eye irritation associated with deficient tear production (usually in keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerophthalmia); also used as an ocular lubricant for artificial eyes [2] ● It is also used to moisten hard contact lenses and to lubricate artificial eyes [3]

● For external ocular use only; instil 1–2 drops into the affected eye(s) as needed [1][2] ● Wash hands before use; do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or any other surface, and replace the cap immediately after each use [1][2][3] ● Tilt the head back, pull the lower eyelid gently downwards, hold the bottle upside down and squeeze gently to release a drop; keep the eye closed and press the inner corner of the eye for about 1 minute [3] ● Soft contact lenses: remove them before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion (benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by and discolour soft lenses) [2][3]; the US label also directs removal of contact lenses before use [1] ● If used together with another eye drop, wait 5–15 minutes between the two applications [3] ● Storage: UK reference — do not store above 25 °C, do not refrigerate, keep tightly closed and discard 1 month after opening (unopened shelf life 36 months) [2]; BP leaflet — do not store above 25 °C, protect from light, discard 28 days after opening [3]; US reference — store at room temperature [1]

The schedules below refer to registered hypromellose ophthalmic products; for the single-dose presentation, instil the volume and frequency prescribed in the approved label of the product concerned [1][2][3]

● Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to hypromellose or to any component of the product [1][2][3] ● For external use only; do not use if the solution changes colour or becomes cloudy [1] ● Stop use and consult a doctor if irritation persists or worsens, or if headache, eye pain, vision changes or continued redness occur [1][2][3]; the US label directs stopping and asking a doctor if the condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours [1] ● Soft contact lenses: do not use while lenses are worn; remove lenses before instillation and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back [2][3] ● Benzalkonium chloride may cause eye irritation, especially in patients with dry eyes or corneal disorders; talk to a doctor if abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain occurs after use [3] ● Pregnancy and breast-feeding: systemic exposure after topical ocular use is negligible and the compound is pharmacologically inert; no effects on the breastfed infant are anticipated, but advice should be sought [2][3] ● Driving and using machines: transient blurring of vision may occur on instillation; do not drive or operate machinery unless vision is clear [2][3] ● Adverse reactions: vision blurred, eye pain, foreign body sensation in the eye, eye irritation and ocular hyperaemia have been reported; these effects usually wear off after a short time [2][3] ● Very rarely, corneal calcification has been reported in association with phosphate-containing eye drops in patients with significantly damaged corneas [2] ● Overdose: no toxic effects are expected with ocular overdose or accidental ingestion of one bottle [2]; an excess can be washed out of the eye with warm water [3] ● The product is available as an OTC medicine in the US [1] and as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK [2] For full prescribing information, refer to the approved product label of the product concerned [1][2][3].