carmellose sodium at a glance
Medicine class
Lubricating eye drop and tear substitute
Main use
Relief of dry-eye symptoms
Form
The selected product is a clear, preservative-free single-dose eye-drop solution
Contact lenses
The selected Celluvisc product may be used while lenses are worn
Driving
Wait until any temporary blurred vision has cleared
What is carmellose sodium used for?
The selected product is licensed as a tear substitute for dry-eye symptoms.
Relief of dryness, soreness, burning and irritation associated with insufficient tear lubrication
How does carmellose sodium work?
It forms a viscous lubricating layer that remains on the eye surface. It acts physically as an artificial tear, with negligible systemic exposure.
carmellose sodium preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.5% w/v, 1.0% w/v
How to take carmellose sodium
Use in the eye as directed by the product leaflet or a healthcare professional.
Wash and dry your hands.
Check that the single-dose container is intact, then twist off the top.
Pull down the lower eyelid and apply without touching the eye, eyelid or another surface. Blink several times.
Use the solution immediately after opening, then discard the container and any remainder.
Check the leaflet for contact-lens instructions and use with other eye medicines.
carmellose sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Brief burning, stinging or discomfort
- Itchy eyes
- Eye pain
- Temporary visual disturbance
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling around the eye or eyelid suggesting an allergic reaction
- Sudden swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Persistent or worsening eye pain, redness or vision changes
carmellose sodium in pregnancy
Carmellose sodium eye drops can be used during pregnancy. Systemic exposure from the eye is negligible, and many years of use have not identified pregnancy problems.
carmellose sodium while breastfeeding
Carmellose sodium eye drops can be used while breastfeeding. They are not expected to pass into breast milk in clinically relevant amounts or affect a breastfed baby.
carmellose sodium interactions
No specific medicine interactions are known, and little carmellose sodium reaches the rest of the body.
Other eye drops or ointments
Using products together may displace or wash out one medicine. Follow the relevant leaflets.
Antihistamines, antidepressants and diuretics
These can contribute to dry eyes rather than directly interacting with carmellose sodium.
Common questions about carmellose sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used with contact lenses?
This depends on the formulation. The selected Celluvisc single-dose product may be used with contact lenses; check the leaflet for other products.
Can it blur vision?
Yes. Blurring may occur briefly after application; do not drive, cycle or operate machinery until vision is clear.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.