Chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate are two substances that are sometimes used in healthcare. Chondroitin sulfate is found in your body, especially in your cartilage (the stuff that cushions your joints). It's often used in dietary supplements to support joint health. Sodium hyaluronate is similar; it's a substance naturally present in your joints and eyes, and it's also used in some medications and skincare products to help moisturize and lubricate. Sometimes these two are combined in treatments or supplements for joint issues.

Viscoat contains a combination of sodium hyaluronate 3% and chondroitin sulfate 4%. It is used as a Surgical aid in eye surgeries. It is widely used in phacoemulsification cataract surgeries to maintain an adequate intraocular space, stabilize the tissue and prevent the lens from injury caused by the surgical procedure.

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate Dose in adult

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate It is used as a Surgical aid: Intraocular:

• The typical method is to inject it into the front part of the eye called the anterior chamber during surgery.
• This injection is done using a thin needle called a 27-gauge cannula.
• The injection can be given either before or after the removal of the crystalline lens (the lens inside the eye).

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate Dose in Chlidren

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate It is used as a Surgical aid: Intraocular:

Inject viscoat using a 27-gauge cannula into the anterior chamber before or following the removal of the crystalline lens. Additional doses may be required.

Pregnancy Risk Category C

• Although it has not been tested in pregnant women, it can be safely used as it only has local effects on the eyes.

Use during breastfeeding

• It can be used in lactating mothers.

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate Dose in Renal Disease:

• The manufacturer's labeling for Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate typically doesn't include specific dosage adjustments for people with kidney problems (renal impairment).

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate Dose in Liver Disease:

• In the manufacturer's labeling for Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate, there typically aren't specific dosage adjustments provided for individuals with liver problems (hepatic impairment).

Side Effects of Viscoat include

• Ophthalmic:
  • Increased intraocular pressure may result

Contraindication to Viscoat (Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate) include:

• In the manufacturer's labeling for Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate, there typically aren't any contraindications listed.

Warnings and Precautions

• In the manufacturer's labeling for Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate, there may be a mention of hypersensitivity as a potential risk.
• This warning is common for products containing biological materials.
• Hypersensitivity reactions are allergic reactions that can occur in some individuals when exposed to certain substances.

Monitoring Parameters: 

• Baseline Intraocular Pressure:
  • This refers to the pressure inside the eye before the procedure.
  • It's important to measure this pressure to understand the eye's normal state.
• Intraocular Pressure After the Procedure:
  • After the procedure, intraocular pressure may change due to various factors.

How to administer Viscoat (Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate)?

Instructions for Using Intraocular Device During Surgery

• Product Preparation:
  • Consult specific product instructions for preparing the intraocular device for use.
  • Ensure that the device is properly assembled and ready for administration by the physician during surgery.
• Intraocular Use Only:
  • The device is intended for use inside the eye only.
  • Do not reuse cannulas to prevent the risk of contamination.
• Injection in Anterior Segment:
  • The solution may be injected into the anterior segment of the eye before or after removing the crystalline lens.
  • Injection before lens removal can provide added protection to the corneal endothelium, shielding it from potential damage during surgery.
• Coating Intraocular Lens and Surgical Instruments:
  • The solution can also be used to coat intraocular lenses and the tips of surgical instruments before implantation surgery.
• Maintaining Solution During Surgery:
  • Additional solution may be injected during anterior segment surgery to ensure that the solution lost during the procedure is fully replaced.
• End of Surgery:
  • At the conclusion of the surgery, remove the solution by thoroughly irrigating and aspirating with a sterile irrigating solution such as balanced salt solution.

Mechanism of action of Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate:

• This ophthalmic viscosurgical device helps during eye surgery by creating space between tissues, stabilizing them, balancing pressure, and protecting the corneal endothelial cells.
• It does this by acting as a kind of gel that's injected into the eye.
• This gel-like substance helps the surgeon by making it easier to work inside the eye without damaging delicate tissues.
• It's like a cushion that keeps everything safe and in place during the procedure.

International Brands of Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate:

• Tisscoat Viscoelastic Solution
• Viscoat

Chondroitin sulfate-sodium hyaluronate Brands in Pakistan:

No brands available in Pakistan