Sodium cromoglicate eye drops

About sodium cromoglicate eye drops

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, watery, itchy eyes. A common cause is an allergy to pollen in the hay fever season. Other less common causes are allergies to house dust mite and cosmetics, and problems with contact lenses.

Sodium cromoglicate eye drops relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by reducing the release of a chemical called histamine which causes inflammation. They are suitable for use in adults and children. The drops are available on prescription, and you can also buy them at a pharmacy and other retail outlets, without a prescription.

Sodium cromoglicate is also available as a nasal spray, inhaler and oral capsules. See the individual medicine leaflets for more information on these products.

Before using sodium cromoglicate eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using sodium cromoglicate eye drops it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you wear soft contact lenses.

• If you have dry eye disease or are using eye drops for dry eyes.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops.

How to use sodium cromoglicate eye drops

1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.

2. Remove the cap (or the tip of the unit if you are using a single-dose unit).

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.

4. Hold the bottle (or single-dose unit) upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Press the container gently to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye.

8. Replace the cap (or if you are using the single-dose unit, throw it away).

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start using the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about the eye drops and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using them.

• Use the drops four times each day into both eyes, or as directed by a doctor. Try to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. If you need to use the drops for longer than two weeks, you should only do so on the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacist.

• Never 'share' a bottle of eye drops with another person - this can lead to eye infections.

• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to prevent the drops from becoming contaminated.

• When first put in, eye drops can make your eyes water and may sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens, it should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive and before you use tools or machines.

• If your symptoms do not start to improve within two days, make an appointment to speak with a doctor.

• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave 5-10 minutes between using each one.

• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using sodium cromoglicate eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which can affect soft contact lenses. The single-dose units do not contain a preservative.

Can sodium cromoglicate eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with sodium cromoglicate eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the drops. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which some people can develop an allergic reaction to. If your eye becomes red or inflamed because of using the drops, contact your doctor for advice. Long-term use of preserved eye drops may lead to eye irritation and symptoms of dry eyes.

How to store sodium cromoglicate eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Bottles of eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use the drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

• Single-dose units should be used as soon as the unit is opened. Do not store or re-use opened units for subsequent doses. This is because the units do not contain any preservative.

Important information about all medicines