Ocular lubricant Pregnancy: Can be used during pregnancy - there are no adequate data in pregnant women, but dextran 70 and hypromellose are pharmacologically inert/generally classified as non-toxic and non-irritating, are not expected to be absorbed systemically, and no adverse effects during pregnancy are anticipated. Discontinuation during breast-feeding is not considered necessary. No effects on fertility are anticipated.

Hypromellose with dextran 70

Brand names: Tears Naturale

This is a topical ocular lubricant combining hypromellose with dextran 70, used as artificial tears for the symptomatic relief of dry eye, tear deficiency 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 as required or directed, instilled into the conjunctival sac

Route: Ocular (topical eye drops) - for ocular use only; not for injection or ingestion

Frequency: As required or as directed

Source is the Tears Naturale SPC (hypromellose with dextran 70 eye drops). The same posology is stated for adults, children and the elderly. Patients must not use the product if the solution becomes cloudy or changes colour; to avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to any surface and replace the cap after use. The product contains benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses - contact lenses should be removed prior to application and reinserted no sooner than 15 minutes afterwards. Patients should discontinue use and consult their doctor if they experience headache, eye pain, vision changes, eye irritation or persistent redness, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than 3 days. No maximum dose, renal adjustment or per-kg paediatric dose is stated in the SPC.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to dextran 70, hypromellose or to any of the excipients

Side effects

Blurred vision (very common)
Dry eye (residual), eyelid disorder, abnormal sensation in the eye, foreign body sensation, ocular discomfort (common)
Headache, photophobia, eye hypoaesthesia, eye pruritus, eye irritation, ocular hyperaemia (uncommon)
Erythema of the eyelid, eye swelling, eye pain, eye discharge, eyelid margin crusting, increased lacrimation (frequency not known)
Hypersensitivity (frequency not known)

Interactions

If more than one topical ophthalmic medicinal product is being used, the medicines must be administered at least 5 minutes apart; eye ointments should be administered last

Clinical monograph

How it works

Hypromellose is a viscous cellulose polymer that increases tear film stability and contact time, while dextran 70 helps retain moisture on the ocular surface, together relieving dryness and grittiness rather than treating any underlying disease.

Prescribing in practice

Multidose preserved formulations can cause surface toxicity and sensitivity with frequent long-term use, so a preservative-free preparation is preferable for patients needing very frequent dosing or with sensitivity.
Soft contact lens wearers should check compatibility, as some preserved drops should not be instilled with lenses in place.
Transient blurring after instillation is expected because of the viscous vehicle.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is needed; treatment is titrated to symptom relief, with review if dryness persists or worsens despite regular use to consider underlying causes.

Counselling the patient

You can use these drops as often as needed for comfort.
Vision may blur briefly after each drop, so wait a moment before tasks such as driving.
If you need drops very frequently, ask about a preservative-free version to protect the eye surface.

Evidence & guidelines

Ocular lubricants such as hypromellose-based artificial tears are first-line symptomatic treatment for dry eye disease in routine clinical practice.

Reference: 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.

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