
Medicine overview
Indications of Retears G
Retears G is an over-the-counter (OTC) ophthalmic lubricant combination indicated for the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye, and for the temporary relief of discomfort caused by minor irritants such as wind, sun exposure, or prolonged visual tasks (e.g., reading, screen use).
- Established/OTC-labeled use: Symptomatic relief of dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and ocular dryness.
- Established/OTC-labeled use: Protection against further irritation and as a lubricant to prevent additional irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.
- Adjunct use: As a supportive comfort measure alongside contact lens wear (as a rewetting drop, subject to product-specific lens-compatibility labeling) or after ophthalmic procedures, on physician advice.
Retears G does not treat the underlying cause of dry eye and provides only temporary symptomatic relief.
Composition
Each formulation of Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin combines two lubricating/demulcent agents:
- Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (typically 0.25%-1%) - a cellulose-derived viscosity-enhancing polymer that acts as a demulcent and lubricant.
- Glycerin (typically 0.2%-1%) - a humectant/lubricant that helps retain moisture on the ocular surface.
Formulations may be preserved (e.g., with a mild preservative for multi-dose bottles) or preservative-free (single-use vials); strengths and excipients vary by brand and product presentation.
Description
Retears G is a combination ophthalmic lubricant eye drop used for the temporary relief of dry eye symptoms. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a water-soluble cellulose polymer that increases the viscosity and residence time of the tear film on the ocular surface, while glycerin acts as a humectant that helps attract and retain moisture, further stabilizing the tear film.
Together, these two lubricating/moisturizing agents in Retears G coat the surface of the eye, reduce friction from blinking, and provide a soothing, protective film that relieves burning, stinging, and grittiness associated with dryness.
Retears G is available as an OTC ophthalmic solution, typically supplied in multi-dose bottles or single-use preservative-free vials.
Therapeutic Class
Retears G belongs to the therapeutic class of ophthalmic lubricants / artificial tears (demulcents), used for the symptomatic management of dry eye disease and ocular surface irritation.
Pharmacology
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin works through a purely local, non-pharmacological (demulcent) mechanism rather than a systemic drug action.
- Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is a hydrophilic polymer that increases the viscosity of the tear film, prolongs the ocular surface residence time of the lubricant, and forms a protective, moisture-retaining layer over the cornea and conjunctiva.
- Glycerin is a small-molecule humectant that helps draw and hold water at the ocular surface, complementing the viscosity effect of carboxymethylcellulose sodium and enhancing overall lubrication and comfort.
Because Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin acts locally on the ocular surface, it has negligible systemic absorption and no clinically significant systemic pharmacokinetic profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) at labeled ophthalmic doses.
Dosage & Administration of Retears G
| Indication | Adult Dose | Pediatric Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary relief of dry eye symptoms / ocular irritation | Instill 1-2 drops of Retears G into the affected eye(s) as needed, typically up to 4 times daily or as directed on the product label or by a physician. | May be used in children under adult supervision following the same general dosing as adults unless otherwise directed by a physician; safety and efficacy of specific formulations in young children should be confirmed with a physician. |
If using other eye medications, allow at least 5-10 minutes between applications of Retears G and other ophthalmic products.
Administration of Retears G
Retears G is for ophthalmic (eye) use only.
- Wash hands before use.
- Tilt the head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops without letting the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelid, fingers, or any other surface (to avoid contamination).
- Close the eye gently for 1-2 minutes after instillation.
- If wearing contact lenses, remove them before instilling Retears G unless the specific product is labeled as safe for use with contact lenses in place; lenses may generally be reinserted after the waiting period stated on the product label.
- Replace the cap tightly after use and avoid touching the tip to any surface.
Interaction of Retears G
Retears G has a low potential for clinically significant drug interactions because it acts locally on the ocular surface with negligible systemic absorption.
- Other ophthalmic preparations: When used together with other eye drops or ointments, Retears G should be administered at least 5-10 minutes apart from other ophthalmic medications to avoid dilution or washout of the other product and to allow adequate contact time for each.
- Preservative interactions: Frequent concurrent use of multiple preserved ophthalmic products may increase the risk of ocular surface irritation; preservative-free formulations of Retears G are preferred with frequent dosing or concurrent use of other preserved drops.
No clinically significant systemic drug interactions have been established for Retears G.
Contraindications
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to carboxymethylcellulose sodium, glycerin, or any other component of the specific formulation.
Side Effects of Retears G
Retears G is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects are typically mild, local, and transient:
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation (common and expected due to the lubricating film).
- Mild, transient eye irritation, stinging, or burning upon instillation.
- Ocular discomfort, foreign-body sensation, or watery eyes.
- Eye redness (uncommon).
- Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or rash around the eye (rare).
Discontinue use and seek medical evaluation if eye pain, vision changes, redness, or irritation persists or worsens beyond what is expected from simple dryness (see Precautions and Warnings).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Retears G is an ophthalmic lubricant with minimal systemic absorption. While specific controlled studies in pregnancy and lactation are limited, topical ocular lubricants of this type are generally not expected to pose a significant systemic risk. As a general precaution, Retears G should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed, and it is advisable to consult a physician or pharmacist before use, particularly for regular or prolonged use.
Precautions & Warnings
The following precautions apply to the use of Retears G:
- For external ophthalmic use only. Do not inject or swallow.
- Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before instilling Retears G unless the specific product is labeled safe for use with lenses in place; lenses may generally be reinserted after the labeled waiting period.
- Temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation is common and expected; avoid driving or operating machinery until vision clears.
- Preservative sensitivity: Preservative-containing formulations of Retears G may cause more irritation with frequent or prolonged use than preservative-free single-use vials; preservative-free formulations are preferable for frequent dosing.
- Contamination precaution: Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface to prevent contamination of the solution.
- When to stop and seek care: Discontinue use and consult a physician if eye pain, vision changes, redness, or irritation persists or worsens beyond what is expected from simple dryness, as this may indicate a condition Retears G is not intended to treat.
- Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, or after the labeled expiration date.
Overdose Effects of Retears G
Ocular overdose of Retears G is unlikely to cause serious harm given its local, non-systemic mechanism; excess drops may simply be flushed out with normal tearing and could cause transient watering or blurred vision. If Retears G is accidentally ingested in significant quantity, or if severe eye irritation, pain, or vision changes occur after use, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services rather than attempting home treatment.
Storage Conditions
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard single-use (preservative-free) vials after first opening as directed on the label. Keep out of reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
Elderly: No special dose adjustment is generally required for Retears G in elderly patients; dry eye is common in this population and Retears G is commonly used for symptomatic relief.
Renal/Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is expected to be necessary given negligible systemic absorption of Retears G following ophthalmic administration.
Contact lens wearers: See Precautions and Warnings regarding lens removal and reinsertion timing.
Pregnancy and lactation: See Pregnancy and Lactation section.
Duration Of Treatment
Retears G may be used as needed for symptomatic relief of dry eye and can be continued long-term for chronic dry eye symptoms. If symptoms do not improve within 72 hours, worsen, or if eye pain, vision changes, or redness develop, discontinue use and consult a physician, as this may indicate a condition requiring different treatment.
Drug Classes
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin belongs to the ophthalmic lubricant (artificial tear/demulcent) drug class, combining a cellulose-derivative viscosity agent (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) with a humectant (glycerin).
Mode Of Action
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium + Glycerin acts locally on the ocular surface as a demulcent and humectant rather than through a receptor-mediated pharmacologic action. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium increases tear film viscosity and prolongs its residence time on the eye, while glycerin draws and retains moisture at the ocular surface. Together, they form a lubricating, protective film that reduces friction, stabilizes the tear film, and relieves the burning, irritation, and discomfort associated with dryness.
Pediatric Uses
Retears G may be used in pediatric patients for the temporary relief of dry eye or ocular irritation under adult supervision, generally following the same instillation technique and frequency as in adults, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Specific formulations may state a minimum age or recommend physician consultation before use in infants and young children; safety and efficacy of routine use in very young children have not been extensively established in controlled trials, so a physician or pharmacist should be consulted before regular use of Retears G in this age group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% used for?
A: Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% is an ophthalmic lubricant (artificial tears) used for the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort caused by dryness of the eye.
Q: How often can I use Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9%?
A: Typically, 1-2 drops of Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% may be instilled into the affected eye(s) as needed, up to 4 times daily, or as directed on the product label or by your physician. Do not exceed the recommended frequency without medical advice.
Q: Can I wear contact lenses while using Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9%?
A: Contact lenses should generally be removed before instilling Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% unless the specific product is labeled as safe for use with lenses in place. Lenses may usually be reinserted after the waiting period stated on the product label.
Q: Is it normal for my vision to blur after using Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9%?
A: Yes, temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation is common and expected due to the lubricating film. It should resolve quickly; avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.
Q: Is Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% has minimal systemic absorption, but as a general precaution it should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies any potential risk. Consult a physician before regular use during pregnancy or lactation.
Q: When should I stop using Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% and see a doctor?
A: Stop using Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% and seek medical evaluation if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, redness, or irritation that persists or worsens beyond what is expected from simple dryness, as these may signal a condition that Retears G 10 ml Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%+0.9% is not intended to treat.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.