Carboxymethylcellulose

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Artificial Tears [OTC]; Biolle Gel Tears [OTC]; Biolle Tears [OTC]; FT Lubricant Eye Drops [OTC]; GoodSense Lubricating Plus PF [OTC]; Lubricant Eye Drops PF [OTC]; Lubricating Plus Eye Drops [OTC] [DSC]; Refresh Celluvisc [OTC]; Refresh Digital PF [OTC]; Refresh Digital [OTC]; Refresh Liquigel [OTC]; Refresh Optive Advanced PF [OTC]; Refresh Optive Advanced [OTC]; Refresh Optive Mega-3 [OTC]; Refresh Optive PF [OTC]; Refresh Optive [OTC]; Refresh Plus [OTC]; Refresh Relieva PF [OTC]; Refresh Relieva [OTC]; Refresh Tears PF [OTC]; Refresh Tears [OTC]; Sterile Lubricant [OTC]; TheraTears Extra PF [OTC]; TheraTears Extra [OTC]; TheraTears Nighttime [OTC]; Theratears PF [OTC]; Theratears [OTC]; Ultra Fresh [OTC]; Ventiva Tears Plus [OTC]; Ventiva Tears [OTC]

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat dry eyes.
• It is used to treat eye irritation.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not give this drug by mouth. If this drug is put in the mouth or swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• For the eye only.
• Some of these products are not for use if your child is wearing contact lenses. Be sure you know if your child needs to avoid wearing contact lenses while using this product.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin. This could lead to bacteria in the drug, which may cause severe eye problems or loss of eyesight.
• Put the cap back on after your child is done using a dose.
• Wash hands before and after use.
• Tilt your child’s head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After giving this drug, ask your child to keep eyes closed. Put light pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your child’s eye.
• Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.

Single-dose container:

• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• If your child takes this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature.
• Be sure you know how long you can store this drug before you need to throw it away.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Single-dose container:

• Store in pouch until ready for use.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-03-16

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