Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (hypromellose)
Dry eye · OTC
Trade namesGenTeal Tears, Isopto Tears, Tears Naturale
Drug classArtificial tear, demulcent
Strength0.3%-0.5%
AvailabilityOTC
Mechanism of actionCellulose-ether demulcent; viscosity agent that increases tear-film residence time.
Indication / reason for useMild-moderate DED; also a coupling fluid for gonioscopy and fundus contact lenses.
Usual adult dosing1-2 drops as needed.
PreservativeGenTeal uses a disappearing perborate system; some forms BAK-preserved
Contact lensesRemove soft lenses for preserved forms; reinsert after 15 min.
Common / important adverse effectsTransient blur.
Contraindications & cautionsNone significant.
Pregnancy / lactationLow risk.
Practice notesIsopto Tears / hypromellose 2.5% is a standard gonioscopy coupling gel.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.