Lagrifresh

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Lagrifresh

Method of action: Ophthalmologicals

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lagrifresh

Property Description
Active ingredient Dextran 70, Hypromellose
Form Ophthalmic solution (Eye drops)
Pharmacological class Artificial Tears (Ophthalmic Lubricant)
General purpose Relieves symptoms of dry, irritated eyes
Origin Semisynthetic polymers (Cellulose and Dextran derivatives)

What Kind of Medicine is Lagrifresh? Identity and Classification

Lagrifresh is an ocular lubricant solution primarily categorized as an Artificial Tear preparation, designed for topical application to the eye's surface. This medicine belongs to the broad pharmaceutical class of Ophthalmic Lubricants and Irrigations, acting as a mechanical protectant rather than a substance with systemic or biochemical effects. The Dextran 70 and Hypromellose combination is widely clinically recognized as a suitable treatment for supplementing the deficient natural tear film. Being commonly sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, the product provides a readily accessible option for individuals experiencing minor eye discomfort.

Composition of Lagrifresh: Active Ingredients and Form

The product is formulated as a combination product in the form of an ophthalmic solution (eye drops), containing the active semisynthetic viscoelastic polymers: Dextran 70 and Hypromellose (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). This dual-polymer formulation is notable for its mucoadhesive properties, which help the solution adhere to the ocular surface. This combination differentiates it from single-agent tear solutions, as the combined action of Hypromellose (for viscosity) and Dextran 70 (for spreading) is designed to better replicate the structure of natural tears.

General Purpose: What Symptoms Does Lagrifresh Help Relieve?

The general therapeutic purpose of Lagrifresh is to promote corneal hydration and relief from symptoms linked to tear film instability or deficiency. The lubricant action physically coats the eye's surface, which is crucial for reducing friction between the eyelid and the eye, a common cause of irritation in dry eye conditions. This mechanism provides reliable relief for common, non-specific symptoms such as eye irritation, burning, and the uncomfortable gritty sensation associated with mild to moderate dry eye. The formulation is typically used as a supportive measure for temporary discomfort, such as dryness caused by environmental factors like wind or prolonged screen use.

What side effects are possible with Lagrifresh?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile for Lagrifresh (Dextran 70/Hypromellose Ophthalmic Solution) is defined by regulatory bodies based on its classification as a non-systemically absorbed ocular lubricant. The documented adverse reactions are therefore localized, occurring primarily at the administration site.


Classification of Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The majority of documented effects fall within the Eye disorders System-Organ Class (SOC).

Classification Example Adverse Reactions (Regulatory Data)
Very Common (ge 1/10) Temporary Vision blurred at instillation.
Common (ge 1/100 to <1/10) Ocular discomfort, Foreign body sensation in eyes, Eye irritation.
Uncommon (ge 1/1,000 to <1/100) Ocular hyperaemia (redness), Eye pruritus.
Not Known Hypersensitivity, Eye pain, Eye swelling, Increased lacrimation.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Temporary blurred vision is the most frequently noted reaction and is expected to be transient, occurring immediately after application. A critical safety constraint is the Contraindication for use in individuals with known Hypersensitivity to dextran 70, hypromellose, or any of the excipients in the formulation, which can manifest as severe allergic reactions.

Due to the medicine's non-systemic absorption, no specific adverse effects are anticipated for populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, and the safety information is generally applicable across the full adult population. Official labeling specifies that if symptoms such as eye pain, a change in vision, or continued/worsening redness or irritation occur, discontinuation is warranted.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for Lagrifresh (Dextran 70, Hypromellose Ophthalmic Solution) states that no case of systemic overdose has been formally reported for this combination product. Given the classification of the active ingredients as pharmacologically inert, traditional systemic clinical manifestations of overdose are not anticipated. Consequently, official labeling confirms that no specific antidote is known or described.

Overdose is defined primarily by the exposure route. In the case of ocular excess (using more than the directed amount in the eye), the officially documented management procedure is local: the excess solution can be easily managed by washing the eye with lukewarm tap water.

The mandatory guidance for seeking urgent help is clearly defined by regulatory authorities for the scenario of accidental systemic ingestion (swallowing the solution). If the solution is swallowed, the official labeling mandates the user to contact a Poison Control Center or get medical help right away. Immediate medical assistance is further required in the presence of serious systemic symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing. This urgency also applies to the observation of signs or symptoms of an eye infection, which constitutes a critical adverse event risk for the product class, requiring prompt professional evaluation as detailed in government safety warnings.

Therapeutic Uses of Lagrifresh

What Lagrifresh Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary therapeutic use of Lagrifresh is to provide supportive, symptomatic relief in situations involving certain distressing symptoms of ocular dryness. Products in this therapeutic category are used to help manage symptoms related to minor eye irritations or exposure to environmental factors.


This lubricant is generally considered relevant for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms associated with ocular dryness, such as Dry Eye Syndrome. It is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, used to help with symptoms related to physical discomfort such as burning, stinging, grittiness, and generalized irritation. It assists with maintaining functional stability and provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods.

Contextual and Symptomatic Relief

The formulation is commonly used when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed in scenarios where dryness is provoked by external factors like air conditioning or wind. This includes discomfort arising from environmental exposure and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning due to prolonged visual tasks. This use is relevant for managing episodic manifestations of dryness and for addressing the uncomfortable foreign body sensation.

Quick Fact: Relief for Friction-Related Symptoms


Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed drug information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Lagrifresh?

This section describes the population eligibility rules for Lagrifresh (Dextran 70/Hypromellose Ophthalmic Solution) as defined in official regulatory labeling.


Eligibility Restrictions

Category Regulatory Status
Absolute Contraindication Contraindicated in persons with a known hypersensitivity to Dextran 70, Hypromellose, or any other ingredient in the solution.
Age-Group Eligibility Use is documented as acceptable for adults and children. No specific restrictions or dose adjustments are noted for the older adult population.
Organ Function No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with hepatic or renal impairment due to the drug's negligible systemic absorption.
Pregnancy and Lactation Use is permitted/acceptable. No effects on the fetus or breastfed infant are anticipated.
Conditional Restriction Soft contact lens wearers must remove lenses before application. Lenses may be reinserted after a short waiting period.

Official regulatory documents define eligibility primarily by exclusion, establishing that the negligible systemic activity of the product means the only absolute restriction is hypersensitivity to its components. All standard age groups are eligible for use, and there are no documented restrictions related to organ function or specific physiological states.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Lagrifresh, whose primary component is hypromellose, functions as an ocular lubricant. Regulatory information pertaining to products of this class indicates that systemic drug-drug interactions are generally not anticipated. This conclusion is based on the negligible systemic absorption of hypromellose following topical administration to the eye, meaning the substance is considered pharmacologically inert outside of the local ocular environment.

Documented Interaction Constraints

Interaction Type Interacting Substance/Condition Constraint as Stated in Official Labeling
Local Ocular Interaction Other Ophthalmic Products (drops or ointments) Co-administration requires temporal separation to avoid dilution or washout.
Systemic PK Interaction Other Medicinal Products None documented or expected due to negligible systemic exposure.

Official Regulatory Statements

Official regulatory documents focus on procedural constraints related to simultaneous use with other eye medications. The primary instruction is that if any other type of eye preparation, such as medicated eye drops or ointments, is being used, a waiting period (commonly stated as at least 5 to 15 minutes) is required between applications. This is a local administrative requirement to ensure that each product can effectively contact the ocular surface without being immediately washed away. No specific interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are documented in regulatory labeling for this class of medicine.

Mechanism of Action

Lagrifresh, containing hypromellose, functions as an inert, viscoelastic polymer that acts through a physical-chemical interaction on the ocular surface. The substance is applied topically to the cornea and conjunctiva, where it adheres to the epithelial cells.

This polymer forms a colloid solution in the aqueous phase, resulting in a non-pharmacological modulation of the tear film. Its primary action is a concentration-dependent increase in viscosity of the precorneal tear film. This rheological modification serves to stabilize and thicken the tear film structure. The polymer's bioadhesive properties prolong the retention time of the solution on the ocular surface.

The downstream biophysical consequence is a prolonged tear film breakdown time, which is achieved by minimizing the rate of tear evaporation and delaying the clearance of the surface fluid. This modulation maintains hydration of the corneal epithelium and provides a sustained increase in surface moistness. The system-level consequence is a physical protection of the corneal and conjunctival epithelial layers from desiccation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Lagrifresh

This section details the instructions for the use of Lagrifresh. Adherence to the following procedural steps is required for proper administration.


Administration Scope

Attribute Instruction
Route of Administration Topical Ophthalmic use only
Official Dosing Rule Instill one (1) drop per affected eye
Frequency and Timing Apply up to four (4) times daily, or as directed by an authorized healthcare professional. Doses should be evenly spaced throughout the waking hours.
Preparation No preparation or reconstitution is required. Do not shake the container.
Special Conditions May be administered without regard to meals. If other ophthalmic drops are used, allow a minimum of five (5) minutes between applications.
Age-Group Rule Approved for use in pediatric and adult patients over the age of two (2) years.
Missed Dose If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as it is remembered. Do not administer two doses to compensate for a missed dose. Return to the regular schedule for subsequent applications.

Procedural Structure

Official Administration Sequence:

  1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling the dispenser.
  2. Tilt the head back and look up toward the ceiling.
  3. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  4. Hold the dispenser tip directly over the eye; do not allow the tip to touch the eye or surrounding areas.
  5. Gently squeeze to instill one drop into the pocket.
  6. Close the eye gently for two minutes without blinking.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

These instructions define the sequence and constraints for delivering the product to the intended site of action, ensuring consistency with the established method of use. The procedure focuses on sterility, correct dosing volume, and proper post-application retention time.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Symptomatic Management of Dry Eye and Irritation

The evidence for Lagrifresh (Dextran 70/Hypromellose) was primarily developed through short- and intermediate-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that explored outcomes related to mild to moderate dry eye syndrome (DES) and general ocular irritation. These studies were designed to assess outcomes related to physical discomfort, which included standardized measurements of patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort such as eye burning, grittiness, and stinging.

Studies also examined objective signs of ocular surface health. These objective outcomes included the Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT), which is used in research exploring how symptoms change over time by assessing tear film stability, and scores related to the extent of ocular surface staining. Research describes patterns observed in the studies where the measured changes in symptoms and objective signs following the application of the solution were contrasted against a control substance (placebo). This research contributes to the broader evidence landscape for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of dryness.


Comparison with Placebo and Other Ocular Lubricants

The research examined how this specific combination formulation was evaluated in settings that included a comparison against an inactive vehicle (placebo) or other commercially available ocular lubricants. These comparative trials explored short-term symptom changes to see how symptoms evolved in the observed populations relative to the comparator.

These comparative studies contribute to the broader evidence landscape by reporting how symptoms evolved in the observed populations and how objective measures varied. It is important to note that evidence quality varies across studies within the overall class of ocular lubricants. For instance, data comparing this specific dual-polymer formulation directly against other single- or multi-agent ocular lubricants is limited, which means that head-to-head subgroup findings are uncertain.


Long-Term Evidence and Durability of Study Findings

Most of the available evidence concerning the Dextran 70/Hypromellose combination is derived from studies conducted over defined time intervals that reflect short-term or intermediate-term use. Typically, follow-up durations were limited, often ranging from acute application up to approximately 12 weeks. This type of research provides insight into short-term changes and patterns related to outcomes related to physical discomfort during periods of increased symptom activity.

Because the focus was on research exploring short-term symptom changes, there is limited information for long-term outcomes in the currently available controlled trial data. The research does not extensively characterize symptom patterns during continuous use or potential outcomes related to use over many months or years. This is a common aspect of the research landscape for this category of supportive agents.


Studies in Specific Patient Groups

Research exploring the outcomes of this formulation primarily included adults diagnosed with mild to moderate dry eye. These study populations sometimes included individuals defined by specific age groups, such as older adults. The research also examined patients whose conditions involve periods of heightened symptoms that may be associated with other chronic conditions.

Therefore, the results apply only to the populations studied and do not provide robust research context for every potential user group.


Research Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

While the evidence base is established for the general lubricant class, certainty remains low in specific areas. Key limitations highlighted by scientific literature include the heterogeneity of the studies—meaning the way dry eye was defined and measured often differed between trials. This makes direct, comprehensive comparison of specific study findings challenging.

Furthermore, studies observing responses over defined time intervals faced challenges in maintaining full blinding for both participants and investigators due to the physical nature of the eye drops. Study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted. Finally, the evidence base mainly contributes to understanding symptom patterns in conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes and has limited information for long-term outcomes or severe presentations. Research is ongoing to continue refining the understanding of supportive therapies for ocular discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lagrifresh (FAQ)

Q: What is Lagrifresh?

A: Lagrifresh is a brand name for a prescription medication used to treat certain chronic eye conditions. Its primary purpose is to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is suppressed by ocular inflammation related to keratoconjunctivitis sicca (also known as dry eye).

Q: What is the active ingredient in Lagrifresh?

A: The active ingredient in Lagrifresh is cyclosporine, which belongs to a class of medications called calcineurin inhibitors or immunosuppressants.

Q: How does Lagrifresh work to treat dry eye?

A: Lagrifresh works by reducing the inflammation in the eye that is often associated with chronic dry eye. This anti-inflammatory effect helps the eye's natural tear-producing glands (the lacrimal glands) to function more normally, leading to increased natural tear production over time.

Q: How long does it take for Lagrifresh to start working?

A: Lagrifresh does not provide immediate relief. It may take some time to see the full benefits of treatment, as it works by treating the underlying inflammation. Improvement in tear production is often noticed within 3 to 6 months of consistent use. It is important to continue using the eye drops as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Q: What are the common side effects of Lagrifresh?

A: The most common side effect reported by patients using Lagrifresh is a temporary burning or stinging sensation in the eye upon application. Other common side effects may include:

  • Eye redness
  • Itching
  • Discharge
  • Blurred vision
  • A sensation of having something in the eye (foreign body sensation)

These side effects are typically mild and often decrease with continued use. If side effects are severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider.

Q: Can I use Lagrifresh with contact lenses?

A: No, you should not use Lagrifresh while wearing contact lenses. The active ingredient may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. You must remove your contact lenses before applying the eye drop. You may re-insert your contact lenses 15 minutes after using Lagrifresh.

Q: How should I store Lagrifresh?

A: Lagrifresh should be stored at room temperature (between 59°F and 77°F or 15°C and 25°C). Avoid freezing the medication. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Discard the single-use vial immediately after use, even if there is medication remaining.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Lagrifresh?

A: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use two doses to make up for a missed one.

How should Lagrifresh be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Lagrifresh

Proper storage and handling of Lagrifresh are essential to maintain its quality and prevent contamination.

Storage Requirement Details
Temperature Store at room temperature.
Handling To prevent contamination, do not touch the container tip to any surface. Replace the cap immediately after using multi-dose containers.
Packaging The container must provide adequate protection from foreseeable external factors that can affect the product's quality.

Disposal and Stability

Single-use containers must be discarded immediately after opening and using the contents; they should not be reused. Multi-dose containers must have the cap replaced after each use. Always follow local regulations when disposing of unused medication and packaging. This product should be protected from contamination during storage and use.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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