Cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)

Cromolyn sodium stops the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) is used to treat allergy symptoms in the eyes, including itching, burning, watering, swelling, redness, or sensitivity to light.

Cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

For best results, use this medicine 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 tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

It may take up to 6 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use cromolyn sodium if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have 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.

Common side effects of cromolyn sodium 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day Comments:-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed. -Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day Comments:-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed. -Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day Comments:-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed. -Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Age: 4 years or olderInstill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day Comments:-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed. -Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not wear contact lenses while using cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic), or when you have allergy symptoms affecting your eyes.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

It is unlikely that other medicines you take by mouth or inject will affect cromolyn sodium used in the eyes. However, many medicines can interact with each other. Inform all your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.