Carboxymethyl cellulose

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What is Carboxymethyl cellulose?[edit]

  • 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.


File:Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium.svg
Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium
File:Carboxymethyl cellulose.png
Carboxymethyl cellulose



What are the uses of this medicine?[edit]

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?[edit]

  • 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 ?[edit]

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?[edit]

  • 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?[edit]

  • Yes,it was FDA approved.


How should this medicine be used?[edit]

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?[edit]

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?[edit]

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?[edit]

  • 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?[edit]

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


Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit]

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


Can this medicine be used in children?[edit]

  • Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have been established.


What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit]

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?[edit]

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