Cellulose-derived artificial tears Pregnancy: Due to negligible systemic exposure and lack of pharmacological activity, can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding (§4.6)

Carmellose sodium

Brand names: Celluvisc, Optive, Refresh

Carmellose sodium is a cellulose-derived ocular lubricant used in artificial-tear preparations for the relief of dry eye and ocular surface irritation.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: One or two drops in the affected eye(s)

Route: Ocular (topical, eye drops — single-dose unit)

Frequency: As needed

Source SPC is Celluvisc 1.0% w/v eye drops, solution, unit dose (carmellose sodium). §4.2: 'Instil one or two drops in the affected eye/s as needed.' Ensure the single-dose container is intact before use; use the solution immediately after opening and discard the open single-dose container after use. Concomitant ocular medication should be administered 15 minutes apart from instillation. Paediatric (§4.2): 'The safety and efficacy of Celluvisc in Paediatric population have not been established. No data are available.' Remove contact lenses before each application; they may be reinserted after 15 minutes. Discontinue and reassess if irritation, pain, redness or changes in vision occur or worsen.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients

Side effects

Common: eye irritation (including burning and discomfort)
Common: eye pain
Common: eye pruritus
Common: visual disturbance
Uncommon (post-marketing): hypersensitivity including eye allergy with eye swelling or eyelid oedema; lacrimation increased; vision blurred; ocular hyperaemia
Uncommon (post-marketing): superficial injury of the eye (from the vial tip touching the eye) and/or corneal abrasion

Interactions

None known (§4.5)
Concomitant ocular products should be administered 15 minutes apart from instillation (§4.2/§4.5)

Clinical monograph

How it works

As a hydrophilic polymer it increases tear-film viscosity and retains moisture on the ocular surface, lubricating and protecting the cornea and conjunctiva.

Prescribing in practice

Available as preservative-free formulations, which are preferred for frequent use or in patients sensitive to preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride.
May cause mild transient blurring or stinging on instillation.
If multiple eye preparations are needed, separate their administration to avoid dilution and irritation.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; review symptomatic improvement in ocular comfort and adjust the preparation or frequency as needed.

Counselling the patient

Drops can be used as often as needed for comfort, with preservative-free options if applied frequently.
Remove soft contact lenses before instilling unless the product is licensed for use with lenses.
Discard single-use units immediately after use and multidose bottles by the stated time after opening.

Evidence & guidelines

Artificial tears containing agents such as carmellose are a mainstay of symptomatic treatment for dry eye disease.

Reference: RCOphth dry eye; TFOS DEWS II; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways