Brand Name
Opticrom
Common Name
sodium cromoglycate eye drops
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02230621 | OPTICROM EYE DROPS 2% |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Sodium cromoglycate eye drops belong to the class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It is used to help relieve and prevent seasonal allergy eye symptoms such as itching, tearing and redness. Relief of symptoms usually occurs within 2 to 3 days of starting the medication.
Sodium cromoglycate works by blocking the release of histamine from certain cells in the body called mast cells. Histamine causes allergy symptoms such as itchy, red, and watery eyes.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it, or a pharmacist has not recommended it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of sodium cromoglycate eye drops for adults and children over 5 years of age is 1 or 2 drops in each eye 4 times daily at regular intervals. If possible, start treatment before your usual allergy season.
To avoid contamination of the bottle tip, replace the cap after each use and do not touch the eye, finger, or other surface with the bottle tip. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the drops. To instill the drops, tilt your head back and gently pull your lower lip down. Then carefully squeeze out 1 or 2 drops into each eye while looking up toward your forehead. Close your eyes gently for a few moments. If you are not sure how to use the drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to use this medication exactly as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. Keep using this medication for the full length of treatment, even if your symptoms go away. Using this medication regularly during the allergy season will help ensure your symptoms remain controlled.
If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from direct sunlight, and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard opened bottles after 4 weeks.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each plastic dropper bottle of a clear, colorless to pale yellow sterile solution, contains sodium cromoglycate 2% w/v. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride as a preservative and edetate disodium.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Sodium cromoglycate eye drops should not be used by anyone who is allergic to sodium cromoglycate or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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