Brand Name for Polyethylene Glycol 0.4% and Propylene Glycol 0.3% Ophthalmic Solution
The ophthalmic solution containing polyethylene glycol 400 (0.4%) and propylene glycol (0.3%) is marketed under the brand name Systane (manufactured by Alcon Laboratories). 1, 2
Formulation Details
The complete Systane formulation contains:
- Polyethylene glycol 400 at 0.4% (demulcent/lubricant) 1, 2
- Propylene glycol at 0.3% (demulcent/lubricant) 1, 2
- Hydroxypropyl-guar (HP-guar) at 0.18% as the intelligent delivery system/gelling agent 1, 2, 3
Mechanism of Action
The dual demulcent system (PEG 400 and propylene glycol) provides immediate lubrication, while the HP-guar component forms a cross-linked gel matrix with borate ions on the ocular surface, creating prolonged retention and sustained protection. 4, 3
The formulation exhibits multiphasic behavior:
- Low viscosity during instillation for easy application 1
- Gel formation on the ocular surface after contact with tear film pH and electrolytes 1, 3
- Extended residence time compared to conventional artificial tears 2, 3
Clinical Evidence for Efficacy
In a 28-day prospective study of 20 patients with moderate to severe dry eye using Systane four times daily, statistically significant improvements were demonstrated in Global Staining Score (P < 0.0001), dry eye symptoms (P < 0.0001), and Ocular Protection Index (P = 0.0025 at Day 14), with benefits evident as early as Day 7. 2
Additional clinical evidence shows:
- Complete protection against corneal desiccation in rabbit models, superior to formulations without HP-guar 3
- Promotion of corneal epithelial recovery following barrier damage 3
- Improved tear film stability and reduced ocular surface staining maintained throughout 28 days of treatment 2
Available Product Variations
The Systane brand includes multiple formulations:
- Systane Lubricant Eye Drops (original formulation with PEG/PG/HP-guar) 1, 2
- Systane Ultra (enhanced formulation) 1
- Systane Hydration (dual-polymer with HP-guar and hyaluronic acid) 4
Comparative Efficacy
A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing PEG 400 0.4%/propylene glycol 0.3% (Systane) versus xanthan gum/chondroitin sulfate in 148 subjects demonstrated equivalent efficacy, with both treatments significantly improving Schirmer test scores (6.5 ± 2.5 to 10.5 ± 5.6; p = 0.019), tear film break-up time (5.2 ± 2.0 to 7.4 ± 2.7; p = 0.046), and OSDI scores (19.3 ± 7.5 to 7.9 ± 8.2; p = 0.001) after 60 days of four-times-daily dosing. 5