Artelac eye drops contain the active ingredient hypromellose, which is a type of medicine known as an eye lubricant.
What is it used for?
- Dry eye conditions.
- Moistening hard contact lenses and lubricating artificial eyes.
How does it work?
- Artelac eye drops contain the active ingredient hypromellose, which is a type of medicine known as an eye lubricant. (NB. Hypromellose eye drops are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
- Hypromellose is a synthetic polymer that forms a film on the surface of the eye (cornea). It produces a transparent, lubricating and moistening film on the surface of the eye and is used as artificial tears.
- Hypromellose eye drops provide soothing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes, such as soreness, irritation or a gritty sensation.
Not to be used in
- Artelac multi-dose bottles contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride and are not suitable for people who wear soft contact lenses.
- This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- Hypromellose is not absorbed into the body after application to the eye and is therefore unlikely to have any harmful effect when used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as this has not been fully established, the manufacturer states that these drops should be used with caution by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and only on the advice of a doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following side effects are known to be associated with this medicine.
- Temporary blurred vision after putting the drops in.
- Mild stinging after putting the drops in.
- This list may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
- If you are using any other medicines it is important to seek advice from your pharmacist before using this one as well, to make sure the combination is safe.
- If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.
References:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/eyes/a6882/artelac-eye-drops-hypromellose/
http://www.artelac.co.uk
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/20112
https://www.drugs.com/uk/artelac-0-32-w-v-eye-drops-single-dose-unit-leaflet.html
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