Carboxymethylcellulose is used
in the treatment of dry eyes.
It is used as a lubricant to relive irritation and discomfort due
to dryness of the eyes or due to exposure of the eyes to wind or sun.
The product is soluble in water (20 mg/ml).
The key to dissolving carboxymethylcellulose is to add the solid carefully to the water so that it is well dispersed (well-wetted). Adding the solid in portions may be necessary. Adding water to the dry solid produces a "clump" of solid that is very difficult to dissolve; the solid must be added to the water. Stir gently or shake intermittently; do not stir constantly with a magnetic stirring bar. High heat is not needed and may actually slow down the solubilization process. A mixing device, such as an impeller-type agitator which produces a vortex, would allow the powder to be drawn into the liquid, but it may produce some shearing.
The key to dissolving carboxymethylcellulose is to add the solid carefully to the water so that it is well dispersed (well-wetted). Adding the solid in portions may be necessary. Adding water to the dry solid produces a "clump" of solid that is very difficult to dissolve; the solid must be added to the water. Stir gently or shake intermittently; do not stir constantly with a magnetic stirring bar. High heat is not needed and may actually slow down the solubilization process. A mixing device, such as an impeller-type agitator which produces a vortex, would allow the powder to be drawn into the liquid, but it may produce some shearing.The product is soluble in water (20 mg/ml).
The key to dissolving carboxymethylcellulose is to add the solid carefully to the water so that it is well dispersed (well-wetted). Adding the solid in portions may be necessary. Adding water to the dry solid produces a "clump" of solid that is very difficult to dissolve; the solid must be added to the water. Stir gently or shake intermittently; do not stir constantly with a magnetic stirring bar. High heat is not needed and may actually slow down the solubilization process. A mixing device, such as an impeller-type agitator which produces a vortex, would allow the powder to be drawn into the liquid, but it may produce some shearing.