Drug Reference

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

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OTC

Fact box

Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Available as

3.5 MG/ML · Ophthalmic Solution

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses For the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye. For the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye or to exposure to wind and sun. For use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye. For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.
How to use / dosing
Directions Wash hands before use. Remove tamper evident ring, then remove cap. Tilt bottle downward or upside down and squeeze. Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. After use, tilt bottle downward and shake to remove any residual drops left on the tip of the bottle. Replace cap after using.

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings For external use only To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of container to any surface. In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions such as redness, burning, swelling, and itching may occur. Do not use: If solution changes color or becomes cloudy If tamper evident seal is broken or missing If bottle is damaged If you are allergic to any of the ingredients Stop and ask a doctor if: You experience eye pain, changes in vision, or continued redness or irritation of the eye The condition worsens or persists for more than 72 hours Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

1 marketed product on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.