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Overview: Carboxymethylcellulose is a lubricant eye drop that is used to help relieve dry or irritated eyes. It is usually very well tolerated. To help prevent contamination, you should not let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Wash your hands before using carboxymethylcellulose. Stop using carboxymethylcellulose and tell your health care provider right away if you have vision changes, eye pain, or your symptoms worsen or last longer than 72 hours.

Uses

What is carboxymethylcellulose used for?

Carboxymethylcellulose is commonly used for the following.

  • To help relieve dry eyes
  • To protect your eyes from irritation
  • To help with eye burning, irritation, or discomfort from the sun or wind

Carboxymethylcellulose may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does carboxymethylcellulose work (mechanism of action)?

Carboxymethylcellulose acts as a lubricant eye drop to help keep your eyes moist and relieve dry or irritated eyes. 

How is carboxymethylcellulose supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Refresh
  • Retaine
  • TheraTears

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.25%, 0.5% ophthalmic drops (eye drops)
  • 1% ophthalmic gel drops (eye drops)

How should I store carboxymethylcellulose?

Storage requirements may vary among different carboxymethylcellulose products. It should generally be stored at room temperature, usually between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Follow the directions on the product you are using. If you are unsure how to store carboxymethylcellulose, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of carboxymethylcellulose?

Carboxymethylcellulose is usually well tolerated. The most common side effect is temporary blurry vision right after using it. Tell your health care provider if this side effect bothers you.

There may be other side effects of carboxymethylcellulose that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of carboxymethylcellulose?

While less common, the most serious side effects of carboxymethylcellulose are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Carboxymethylcellulose may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using carboxymethylcellulose and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use carboxymethylcellulose?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use carboxymethylcellulose.

  • Carboxymethylcellulose
  • Refresh
  • Retaine
  • TheraTears
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific carboxymethylcellulose products they stock.

What should I know about carboxymethylcellulose before using it?

There are multiple carboxymethylcellulose products available, and they may be used in different ways. Follow the instructions that come with your product. Do not use it more often than recommended on the label unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

Carboxymethylcellulose is an eye drop. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep carboxymethylcellulose out of the reach of children.

Do not use carboxymethylcellulose if the liquid changes color or is cloudy.

Stop using carboxymethylcellulose and call your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • You have vision changes or eye pain.
  • Your dry eyes, redness, or irritation get worse or last longer than 72 hours.

Eye infections may occur if a carboxymethylcellulose eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Wash your hands before each use. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using carboxymethylcellulose?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if carboxymethylcellulose is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how carboxymethylcellulose could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use carboxymethylcellulose while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if carboxymethylcellulose passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use carboxymethylcellulose while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does carboxymethylcellulose interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between carboxymethylcellulose and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect carboxymethylcellulose.

Does carboxymethylcellulose interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between carboxymethylcellulose and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much carboxymethylcellulose?

If you or someone else has used too much carboxymethylcellulose, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of carboxymethylcellulose?

Carboxymethylcellulose is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product instructions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.