Artelac® [Hypromellose]

Pharmacological properties

Hypromellose is a partially methylated and hydroxypropylated cellulose. normally, the cornea should be moistened mainly with mucin, which is produced by the conjunctiva. mucin is adsorbed on the cornea and forms a hydrophilic surface. with dry eye syndrome, especially with mucin deficiency, the use of artificial tear fluid is prescribed.

Hypromellose is particularly suitable for this application due to surface activity and adsorption capacity. Due to the physicochemical action of hypromellose in the aqueous solution, it reduces surface tension and also increases viscosity. Hypromellose is well fixed on the cornea and conjunctiva and provides normal hydration. The severity of irritation symptoms caused by blinking due to a deficiency of tear fluid is thus reduced, which prevents the onset of symptoms of drying of the epithelium.

Indications

For the symptomatic treatment of the phenomena of drying of the cornea and mucous membrane of the eye (dry eye syndrome) caused by a violation of lacrimal secretion and tear secretion due to local or systemic diseases, as well as in case of insufficient or incomplete closure of the eyelids. for wetting and additional moisturizing of solid contact lenses.

Application

Treatment of dry eye syndrome requires individual dosing. if not prescribed differently, then, depending on the need, instill in the conjunctival sac 1 drop 3–5 or more times a day.

Soft contact lenses must be removed before using Artelac, wait 15 minutes, then reinsert them.

Artelac can also be used to re-wet solid contact lenses.

With prolonged use of the drug, Artelac should consult a doctor.

Instructions for the use of drops. Tilt your head back, with the index finger of one hand, pull the lower eyelid down. With the other hand, holding the bottle with the dispenser vertically above the eye (without touching the eye), drop 1 drop into the drawn conjunctival sac. Try to move the eyeball without closing your eyes so that the liquid spreads well through it.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug.

Side effects

Hypersensitivity reactions are very rare. burning sensation, redness, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, blurred vision, lacrimation, swelling, itching, pain in the eye may occur. Artelac contains cetrimide as a preservative, which can cause eye irritation, especially with frequent or prolonged use, and can damage the cornea. therefore, for the long-term treatment of chronic dry keratoconjunctivitis, drugs without preservatives should be preferred.

special instructions

Wash hands thoroughly before use. When instilling, do not touch the eyes or eyelids with the dropper tip. close vial immediately after use.

Use during pregnancy and lactation. There is no risk associated with the use of the drug Artelac during pregnancy and lactation, since hypromellose is not absorbed and therefore does not have a systemic effect.

Children. There is no data on the use of the drug in children.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles and working with other mechanisms. Even when used for its intended purpose, the drug can cause short-term blurred vision due to the formation of a strip in the field of view, so when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms, patients should wait until their vision is restored.

Interactions

Unknown. it should be noted that when using other local ophthalmic agents, artelac should always be the last drug for administration with an interval of about 15 minutes, so its stay on the surface of the eye, that is, the moisturizing effect, is not reduced.

Overdose

Unknown and does not require any necessary measures.

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 30 ° C.