Lacrisert

Lacrisert - General Information

Lacrisert is an ether of cellulose where some of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose have been hydroxypropylated forming -OCH2CH(OH)CH3 groups. Lacrisertis a formulation of hydroxypropyl cellulose that is used for artificial tears. It is used to treat syndromes characterized by insufficient tear production (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis, and as a lubricant for artificial eyes. As a food additive, hydroxypropyl cellulose is used as a thickener and as an emulsion stabilizer.

Pharmacology of Lacrisert

Lacrisert (cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether) is a derivative of cellulose with both water solubility and organic solubility. Lacrisert acts to stabilize and thicken the precorneal tear film and prolong the tear film breakup time which is usually accelerated in patients with dry eye states. Lacrisert also acts to lubricate and protect the eye. Lacrisert usually reduces the signs and symptoms resulting from moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, such as conjunctival hyperemia, corneal and conjunctival staining with rose bengal, exudation, itching, burning, foreign body sensation, smarting, photophobia, dryness and blurred or cloudy vision. Progressive visual deterioration which occurs in some patients may be retarded, halted, or sometimes reversed.

Additional information about Lacrisert

Lacrisert Indication: Used to relieve dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow that occurs in certain eye diseases (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), recurrent corneal erosions, decreased corneal sensitivity, exposure and neuroparalytic keratitis, and as a lubricant for artificial eyes.
Mechanism Of Action: Lacrisert is a derivative of cellulose that is soluble in both water and organic solvents. It is particularly good at trapping water and producing a film that serves as a barrier to water loss. Lacrisert possesses good surface activity but does not gel as it forms open helical coils. In general Lacrisert is a water-soluble thickener, emulsifier and film-former often used in tablet coating.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Synonyms: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate; Hypromellose phthtalate
Drug Category: Ophthalmic Protectant; Artificial Tears
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Hydroxypropyl cellulose: Lacrisert;
Absorption: Studies conducted in rats fed 14 C-labeled hydroxypropyl cellulose demonstrated that when orally administered, hydroxypropyl cellulose is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is quantitatively excreted in the feces.
Toxicity (Overdose): LD₅₀=10200 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Protein Binding: None
Biotransformation: Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a physiologically inert substance. In a study of rats fed hydroxypropyl cellulose or unmodified cellulose at levels up to 5% of their diet, it was found that the two were biologically equivalent in that neither was metabolized.
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Lacrisert: Insert Ophthalmic
Chemical IUPAC Name: cellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl ether
Chemical Formula: (C36H44O18)n
Hydroxypropyl cellulose on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxypropyl_cellulose
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals