Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a cellulose ether used to treat dry eyes.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Hydroxypropyl cellulose 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. Hydroxypropyl cellulose possesses good surface activity but does not gel as it forms open helical coils. In general Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a water-soluble thickener, emulsifier and film-former often used in tablet coating.
- Primary 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...Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- First approval
- Canada, 2023 · United States, 1981
- Also known as
- Cellulose hydroxypropyl ether · Hydroxypropylcellulose · Modified cellulose
- Code names
- E-463 · INS-463 · Ins no.463
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Hydroxypropyl cellulose, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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