Medication guide
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
- Generic name
- Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
- Common brand names
- Refresh Tears, Refresh Plus
- Medication class
- Artificial tear/lubricant
Overview
Its medication class is Artificial tear/lubricant. Common uses include Dry eye comfort. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Ophthalmic drops/lubricants.
- Time of day
- Use at symptom onset and before prolonged screen/irritating exposure if needed.
- With food/water
- No food relationship; avoid contact with water before instillation.
- Preparation
- Hand wash, pull lower lid down, apply drop; do not touch tip to eye.
- Safe dose
- One to two drops per eye unless label says otherwise.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed label daily frequency/number of drops.
- Frequency
- Every few hours to 2 times/day depending product and symptoms.
- Other recommendations
- Remove contact lenses if instructed and wait if discomfort persists >5 minutes.
Common uses
- Dry eye comfort
Common side effects
- Temporary blurred vision
- burning
- gritty sensation
- redness
- increased tearing
- and headache
Important warnings
- Not for active infection, injury, or severe eye pain. Contact care if pain, photophobia, discharge, or blurred vision persists. Contact-lens users should ensure compatibility. Do not exceed recommended dosing frequency.
General interactions information
Low risk; separate from medicated ophthalmic drops if irritated
Sources / references
- Refresh Tears carboxymethylcellulose sodium drops — product label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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