Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR)

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Hypromellose may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Hypromellose

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Hypromellose, is an artificial tear used to relieve dry eye conditions (e.g. conditions associated with the use of VDUs and TVs, infrequent blinking, certain medical treatments, atmospheric pollution and drying atmospheres e.g. air-conditioning, central heating, wind and sun). It is also used to moisten hard contact lenses and to lubricate artificial eyes.

What you need to know before you take it

e Hypromellose Eye Drops Do not use Hypromellose Eye Drops if:

  • you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Hypromellose or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, which are listed in section 6 of this leaflet. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Hypromellose
  • If you develop an eye infection during this treatment.
  • If you are wearing contact lenses. Take special care with Hypromellose Eye Drops if:
  • your eye irritation persists or worsens,
  • you have a headache or eye pain,
  • your vision changes
  • you have permanently red eyes If any of the above apply to you, stop using Hypromellose Eye Drops and contact your doctor immediately. If you are unsure about taking this medicine or you have any questions, go and talk to your doctor first and follow the advice given. Other medicines and Hypromellose Eye Drops Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are applying any other type of eye drops or eye ointment before you start to use this medicine.

Hold the bottle between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the bottle upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye with the nozzle. 8. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops, as directed by your doctor. 9. Blink your eye a few times. 10. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop. 11. Repeat steps 5-10 for the other eye if you have been told to use Hypromellose Eye Drops in both eyes. 12. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or your fingers. 13. Wash your hands If you are unsure about how to use Hypromellose Eye Drops talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Eye solutions, if handled wrongly, can become contaminated by common bacteria and cause eye infections. If you do develop any other eye condition whilst using this product, see your doctor immediately. How much to use The usual dose is 1 or 2 drops placed in each eye three times daily, however this may vary depending on the amount of lubrication needed. If there is no improvement see your doctor or pharmacist. Hypromellose Eye Drops are for external use only. If you use more Hypromellose Eye Drops than you should It can be washed out of your eye with warm water. It will not cause you any harm. If you are worried then talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take Hypromellose Eye Drops Apply the drops as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop using Hypromellose Eye Drops You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist, if you want to stop taking Hypromellose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 7.

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Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Hypromellose may cause a temporary blurring of vision immediately after using the drops. Do not drive or operate machines if you experience any visual disturbance after using the product. Wait until this clears before driving or using machines. Hypromellose Eye Drops contains benzalkonium chloride This medicine contains 0.20 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride as preservative. Benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change the colour of the contact lenses. You should remove contact lenses before using this medicine and put them back 15 minutes afterwards. Benzalkonium chloride may also cause eye irritation, especially if you have dry eyes or disorders of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye). If you feel abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain in the eye after using this medicine, talk to your doctor.

How to take it

Hypromellose Eye Drops Always use Hypromellose Eye Drops exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The recommended dose is one or two drops three times daily as needed, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using in combination with another eye drop medicine, wait 5-15 minutes before applying the second eye drops. Instructions for use 1. Before opening a new bottle of Hypromellose Eye Drops, please check that the safety strip on the bottom of the outer cap is unbroken. 2. Twist the outer cap to break the seal. 3. Wash your hands well before use. 4. Remove the outer cap. If you are putting in the drops yourself, you should use a mirror. 5. Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. 6. Pull the lower lid of the eye out to form a small pocket between your eyelid and your eye. Continued overleaf

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Hypromellose Eye Drops can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Possible side effects include:

  • vision blurred
  • eye pain
  • foreign body sensation in eyes
  • eye irritation
  • redness of eye These effects should wear off after a short time. If these effects persist or get worse, or you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet stop using Hypromellose Eye Drops and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Hypromellose Eye Drops Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Make sure the container is properly closed after each use. Store below 25°C. Do not use Hypromellose Eye Drops after the expiry date which is printed on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Dispose of this medicine four weeks after opening. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Hypromellose Eye Drops contain The active substance is hypromellose 0.3%w/v The other ingredients are purified water, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, borax, boric acid, benzalkonium chloride solution. It may also contain sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. What Hypromellose Eye Drops look like and contents of the pack Hypromellose Eye Drops are a clear, colourless solution supplied in a plastic bottle with a dropper nozzle and a tamper proof cap. Each bottle contains 10ml of sterile solution. Marketing Authorisation Holder Martindale Pharmaceuticals Ltd Bampton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 8UG, United Kingdom. Manufacturer Farmigea S.p.A. Via G.B. Oliva 6/8 56121 Pisa, Italy Famar S.A. Alimos Plant 63, AG Dmitriou Str. Agiou Dmitriou 63 Alimos Attiki 17456 Greece If you would like any more information, or would like the leaflet in a different format, please contact Medical Information at the above address. Product licence numbers: Hypromellose Eye Drops BPC 0.3%w/v PL 0156/0069 HK 22087 This leaflet was last updated February 2021

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PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Frequently asked questions about Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR)

How do I take Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR)?

Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR) comes as eye drops. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR)?

The active substance in Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR) is hypromellose.

Are there equivalent medicines to Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR)?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Isopto Plain 0.5% eye drops, solution, Hypromellose Eye Drops BP, Hypromellose Eye Drops BPC 0.3%. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR) without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Hypromellose (8 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Hypromellose 0.3% w/v Eye Drops (FAMAR). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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