Hypromellose Eye Drops
Also known as: Artelac, Isopto Plain, Tears Naturale
What it's for
Hypromellose is artificial tears for dry eyes. It lubricates and moistens your eyes when you do not make enough tears naturally. It is safe for regular, long-term use.
Comes as: Eye drops
How to take it
- Use 1 or 2 drops in each eye as often as needed.
- Can be used regularly throughout the day.
- No maximum number of times per day.
- Single-use vials are preservative-free.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Temporary blurred vision after use
- Mild stinging on application
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops
- Remove contact lenses before use (unless preservative-free)
- Discard bottle 28 days after opening
- Single-use vials should be discarded after one use
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have eye pain or vision changes
- You have signs of an eye infection (discharge, redness, swelling)
- Your symptoms get worse
- You have a chemical splash in your eye
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.