Carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5%

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Carboxy methyl cellulose Uses 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) 0.5% w/v eye drops is a lubricating medicine used to relieve dryness and irritation in the eyes. It is useful for the following indications: 

1. Dry eyes (burning, irritation, or discomfort) 
2. Relief from burning or stinging sensations in the eyes 
3. Protecting and moisturizing the eyes during contact lens wear  
4. Providing comfort in conditions like dry eye syndrome or mild eye fatigue 

Directions for use

1. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 
2. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.  
3. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.

Carboxy methyl cellulose side effects 

More Common  

1. Mild burning or stinging when applied 
2. Temporary blurred vision right after use 
3. Eye irritation or redness 

Less Common

1. Watery eyes 
2. Feeling of something in the eye 
3. Severe eye pain or swelling 
4. Allergic reaction (rash around eyes, itching, swelling)   

How Carboxy methyl cellulose works 

Carboxy methyl Cellulose is a lubricating agent that adds moisture to the eyes. When applied as eye drops, it forms a thin protective layer over the surface of the eye, which helps to keep the eyes wet, reduce dryness, and relieve irritation or discomfort. This protective layer also helps the eyes feel more comfortable during exposure to wind, dust, smoke, or long periods of screen use. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergic Individuals

Do not use these eye drops if you are allergic to Carboxymethyl Cellulose or any ingredient in the drops, as it may cause redness, itching, swelling, or severe eye irritation. 

Eye Infections

Avoid using it unless prescribed by a doctor if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal eye infection, because it does not treat infections and may worsen the condition. 

Contact Lens Caution

Use only if approved by your doctor while wearing contact lenses, as some forms may not be compatible with lenses. 

Carboxy methyl cellulose Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Carboxy methyl cellulose with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases and it could be fatal: 

Carboxy methyl cellulose Interaction with Food Product

Carboxy methyl cellulose does not interact with any food or drink and is safe to use. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Carboxy methyl cellulose Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Carboxy methyl cellulose: N,6,6-trimethyl-N-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)hept-2-en-4-yn-1-amine 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Carboxy methyl cellulose exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

Do not use more than prescribed Carboxy methyl cellulose drops by your doctor. Using too many drops can increase the risk of eye irritation, stinging, redness, or blurred vision. If you experience severe reactions such as swelling around the eyes, eye pain, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, stop using the drops immediately and seek medical attention. 

Carboxy methyl cellulose Summary

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) 0.5% eye drops are a lubricating eye medicine, commonly called artificial tears, used to relieve dryness, irritation, burning, or discomfort in the eyes. These symptoms can occur due to conditions like dry eye syndrome, exposure to wind, dust, smoke, or pollution, or contact lens wear. 

The medicine works by forming a thin protective layer over the surface of the eye, which helps retain moisture, protect the eyes, and provides soothing effect. This protective layer also makes the eyes feel more comfortable and reduces the feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including stinging, burning, blurred vision, or watery eyes. Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction. People who are allergic to CMC or have active eye infections should avoid using it unless directed by a doctor. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.5% eye drops? 

These eye drops are used to relieve dry eyes, irritation, burning, or discomfort caused by wind, dust, smoke, or long screen use. They also help keep the eyes moist and comfortable and can be used with contact lenses if approved by a doctor.  

What is the price of Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.5% eye drops? 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.5% eye drops price at SayaCare is about 33 rupees, at SayaCare we provide test reports with each medicine. Also, at SayaCare we provide you with up to 80% less cost than the market. 

What class of drug does Carboxymethyl Cellulose belong to? 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose 0.5% is a lubricating or artificial tear eye drop. It belongs to the class of eye lubricants, used to moisten the eyes and relieve dryness or irritation. 

Reference 

1. Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic (Eye): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. www.webmd.com. Available from 
2. Carboxymethylcellulose [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 
3. Carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5% w/v drops: Uses, Side Effects, Price | Generic | SayaCare [Internet]. Sayacare.in. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 5]. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.