dextran 70 + hypromellose at a glance
Medicine class
Artificial tear and ocular lubricant
Usual role
Relieves symptoms of dry eye and related ocular irritation
Administration
For use in the eyes only; keep the dropper tip away from the eye and other surfaces
Vision
Temporary blurred vision can occur; wait until sight is clear before driving or using machinery
Presentations
The selected products include an unpreserved single-dose presentation and a multidose bottle containing benzalkonium chloride
What is dextran 70 + hypromellose used for?
The selected UK product information describes this combination as an artificial tear for symptomatic relief.
Moderate to severe dry eye, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Dry eye and other ocular irritation associated with deficient tear or mucus secretion
How does dextran 70 + hypromellose work?
Dextran 70 and hypromellose are water-soluble polymers that form a lubricating, soothing layer over the cornea. Their effect is primarily physical, helping reduce friction and supplement the natural tear film.
How to take dextran 70 + hypromellose
Wash and dry your hands, tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid. Apply the drops as directed without letting the container tip touch the eye, eyelashes, skin or another surface. Close the eye briefly and wipe away excess liquid with a clean tissue.
Do not use solution that has become cloudy or changed colour.
Use an opened single-dose container immediately and discard it afterwards; do not reuse it.
Replace the multidose bottle cap promptly after use.
Remove soft contact lenses before using the benzalkonium chloride-containing multidose product and follow its instructions before reinserting them.
dextran 70 + hypromellose side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- Eye discomfort or a foreign-body sensation
- Abnormal sensation in the eye
- Residual dry-eye symptoms
- Eyelid symptoms
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible hypersensitivity, particularly with facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Eye pain, discharge or swelling
- Persistent or worsening redness or irritation
- New, persistent or worsening changes in vision
- Marked sensitivity to light
dextran 70 + hypromellose in pregnancy
The selected product information states that dextran 70 with hypromellose can be used during pregnancy. The polymers are expected to have very low systemic absorption.
dextran 70 + hypromellose while breastfeeding
The selected product information states that use during breastfeeding is acceptable and stopping breastfeeding is not considered necessary. Systemic exposure is expected to be low.
dextran 70 + hypromellose interactions
No specific systemic medicine interactions are identified in the selected product information, but other eye preparations may affect administration.
Other topical ophthalmic medicines
Applying preparations together may cause one to wash out or dilute another.
Eye ointments
Their thicker consistency can hinder absorption of drops used afterwards.
Common questions about dextran 70 + hypromellose
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dextran 70 + hypromellose an artificial tear?
Yes. It is an ocular lubricant that supplements the tear film and soothes the eye surface through a mainly physical action.
Does it treat an eye infection?
No. It lubricates dry or irritated eyes and does not contain an antimicrobial. A painful red eye, discharge or vision change needs clinical assessment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.