Generic Name: cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) (KROE moe lin off THAL mik)
Brand Names: Crolom, Opticrom
What is cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat allergy symptoms that affect the eyes, such as itching, burning, watering, swelling, redness, or sensitivity to light.
Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.
Do not allow the tip of the eye dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
It may take up to 6 weeks of using cromolyn sodium before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Do not wear contact lenses while using cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, or when you have allergy symptoms affecting your eyes.
During treatment with cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, avoid using any other eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you use cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
FDA pregnancy category B. Cromolyn sodium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.
How should I use cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
For best results, use this medication at regular intervals.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
It may take up to 6 weeks of using cromolyn sodium before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Store cromolyn sodium ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of this medication is not expected to produce serious side effects.
What should I avoid while using cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication, or when you have allergy symptoms affecting your eyes.
During treatment with cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, avoid using any other eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.
Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation in your eyes after using the eye drops.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild burning or stinging after you use the eye drops;
dry or irritated eyes;
puffy eyes; or
watery eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Cromolyn sodium Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:
1 to 2 drops in each eye 4 to 6 times a day at regular intervals.
Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:
1 to 2 drops in each eye 4 to 6 times a day at regular intervals.
Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis:
1 to 2 drops in each eye 4 to 6 times a day at regular intervals.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:
4 to 18 years: 1 to 2 drops in each eye 4 to 6 times a day at regular intervals.
What other drugs will affect cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on cromolyn sodium used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More cromolyn sodium resources
- Cromolyn sodium Dosage
- Cromolyn sodium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Cromolyn sodium Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Cromolyn sodium - Add your own review/rating
- Crolom Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Crolom Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare cromolyn sodium with other medications
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic
- Keratitis
- Keratoconjunctivitis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about cromolyn sodium ophthalmic.
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