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What Is Gonak Hypromellose?

Gonak Hypromellose was a sterile 2.5% ophthalmic lubricant containing hypromellose. Its label specified professional use during gonioscopy, an examination of the eye's drainage angle. Akorn recalled its Gonak lots in 2023 after shutting down operations.

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What Is Gonak Hypromellose?

Gonak Hypromellose was a sterile 2.5% ophthalmic lubricant containing hypromellose. Its label specified professional use during gonioscopy, an examination of the eye's drainage angle. Akorn recalled its Gonak lots in 2023 after shutting down operations.

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How Gonak Hypromellose Was Used

Gonioscopy uses a special lens or prism placed against the eye. Gonak served as a lubricating fluid between the examination instrument and the eye. Its label directed the professional to fill the gonioscopic prism as needed.

What Hypromellose Does

Hypromellose is a lubricant that helps maintain a moist surface. Eye care professionals use viscous ophthalmic solutions with certain examination lenses. Products containing hypromellose can have different labels and directions, even when they share an ingredient.

Handling Precautions

The Gonak label instructed users to keep the container tip from touching any surface. It also warned against using cloudy or discolored solution. Gonak was not labeled for use with hot laser treatment.

Recall and Product Availability

Akorn included Gonak among products recalled after the company ceased operations. The recall covered its listed lots within expiry at that time. An eye care professional can select a currently supplied product appropriate for the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gonak Hypromellose

What was Gonak used for?

Its label specified professional use during gonioscopic examinations. It was applied to the examination prism as needed.

Is Gonak the same as regular artificial tears?

Gonak contained hypromellose, an ingredient also found in some eye lubricants. Its specific label described professional gonioscopy use, so another product's directions should not be applied to Gonak.

Was Gonak recalled?

Yes. Gonak appeared on Akorn's 2023 recall list following the company shutdown.

Can I use an old bottle of Gonak?

Do not use a recalled or expired bottle. Ask an eye care professional about an appropriate current product.

References

Akorn Drug Recall: List of Human and Veterinary Products. Akorn / U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/media/167523/download. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GONAK Hypromellose Ophthalmic Demulcent Solution 2.5%: Archived Label. Akorn (archived DailyMed label via FDA.report). https://fda.report/DailyMed/f65ace26-19dc-49ce-832d-96994cfe36e3. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Gonioscopy: What It Is, Procedure Details & Results. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22421-gonioscopy. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Hypromellose (ophthalmic route) - Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hypromellose-ophthalmic-route/description/drg-20064245. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

UPDATE - Akorn Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Various Human and Animal Drug Products Within Expiry Due to Company Shutdown. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/update-akorn-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-human-and-animal-drug-products-within-expiry. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.