CARBOSOL
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, 0.5%
What it does
Carboxymethylcellulose is a substance used to relieve dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Commonly used for: dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), dry mouth (xerostomia)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 22:07:30 · updated 2026-09-17 02:30:44
About this medicine
Carboxymethylcellulose is a substance used to relieve dryness in the eyes and mouth.
What it treats
- dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- dry mouth (xerostomia)
How it works
It works by forming a protective layer on the surface of the eyes or mouth, helping to retain moisture.
Who it's for
It is suitable for people experiencing dryness in their eyes or mouth due to various reasons, including certain medical conditions, medications, or environmental factors.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: carboxymethylcellulose
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative used primarily as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various pharmaceutical and food formulations. It is an anionic, water-soluble polymer that enhances the viscosity of solutions and suspensions. CMC is also utilized as a lubricant in dry eye treatments and has applications in the formulation of tablets and other dosage forms.
Indications
- Dry eye syndrome
- Ocular lubrication
- Thickening agent in pharmaceutical formulations
- Food industry as a stabilizer and emulsifier
Dosage
Children: For paediatric use, refer to specific product guidelines and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate advice.
Adults: For dry eye treatment, apply as needed, typically 1 drop in each affected eye. Refer to specific product guidelines for exact formulation and frequency.
Mechanism of action
Carboxymethylcellulose works by forming a gel-like structure when it interacts with water, which helps retain moisture and provide lubrication. In ophthalmic applications, it acts as a protective agent for the ocular surface, reducing friction and providing comfort to patients with dry eye conditions.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic properties of carboxymethylcellulose are primarily related to its ability to increase viscosity and improve the stability of formulations. It does not undergo significant systemic absorption and exerts its effects locally, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and on the ocular surface as a lubricant.
Pharmacokinetics
Carboxymethylcellulose is not absorbed significantly through the gastrointestinal tract when ingested, and its systemic bioavailability is negligible. When used in ophthalmic formulations, it acts locally on the eye without significant systemic effects. The elimination pathway is primarily through natural degradation and excretion of unabsorbed material.
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritation
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to cellulose derivatives
- Monitor for allergic reactions
Pregnancy
Carboxymethylcellulose is generally considered safe during pregnancy as it is not absorbed systemically.
Breast-feeding
Carboxymethylcellulose is considered safe during breastfeeding as it is not absorbed systemically.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Eye drops
- Oral suspensions
- Topical gels
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- Albendafarm 2.5% · Farmers Centre
- Alphagan P · Allergan
- BUDANASE-200 · Biodeal Pharmaceuticals
- Candesarmac 16 · Macleods Pharmaceuticals
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- Candesarmac H · Macleods Pharmaceuticals
- AROMS ABEDAZOLE 2.5% SUSPENSION · Nerix Pharma
- AUROMIDE PLUS EYE DROPS · Dawa
- DIGEVA-F SUSPENSION · Biovail Health
- DRYLIEF STERILE EYE DROPS · Globe Pharmacy
- EPHERINE PAEDIATRIC NASAL DROPS · Viva Healthcare
- FLEXEN GEL · Lords Healthcare
- BLUTEARS EYE DROPS ( Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%w/v) · Pharmax India
- OPTILEX EYE DROP DROPS ( Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%) · Adore Pharmaceuticals
- REFRESH LIQUIGEL (Each ml contains Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 10mg) · Allergan
- REFRESH TEARS EYE DROPS (Each ml contains Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 5mg) · Allergan