Artificial tears (eye lubricant)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Hypromellose is an artificial tear solution that works by lubricating and moisturizing dry eyes, acting as a substitute for your natural tears to keep the surface of your eyes comfortable and protected.
Forms a protective hydrophilic film on the ocular surface through its polymeric structure, mimicking natural tears to increase tear film viscosity and reduce evaporation while lubricating the cornea and conjunctiva. Acts as a demulcent agent that adheres to damaged epithelial surfaces, providing sustained moisture retention and mechanical protection against environmental irritants.
Dry eyes, eye irritation, burning or gritty feeling in the eyes, temporary relief of eye discomfort from wind or sun exposure, keeping eyes moist when wearing contact lenses
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
Since hypromellose is used as needed when your eyes feel dry, there is no strict dosing schedule. Simply use it whenever your eyes feel uncomfortable, you cannot really 'miss' a dose.
Buy only from reputable pharmacies, brands like Melotears, Hyprosol, Optovisc, or Drumellose are available in Nigeria. Do not share your eye drops with another person as this can spread eye infections. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any surface to keep the solution sterile.
If you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between each product so they do not wash each other out. Always apply eye ointments last, after all eye drops. No major interactions with food or alcohol since it is not taken by mouth.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Hypromellose with your other drugs?
Hypromellose eye drops are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding since very little gets absorbed into the body, but it is good practice to inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in a car or near a window. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and always keep it out of children's reach. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening, even if there is still liquid left, to avoid eye infection.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.