Nedocromil (Ophthalmic)

Nedocromil is used to treat the itching in your eyes that happens with allergies.

Nedocromil works by acting on certain inflammatory cells to stop them from releasing substances that cause allergic symptoms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

You should not wear your contact lenses while your eyes are itching from your allergies.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Nedocromil has been tested in children 3 years of age and older. At effective doses, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

No differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In such cases, your doctor may need to change the dose or take other precautions. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around meal times, or with certain types of food, because interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical help. These side effects might go away during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have ways to help prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Talk to your health care professional if any of the following side effects last or bother you, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Blurred vision
• Change in color vision
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Dry or itching eyes
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity of eyes to sunlight
• Redness, pain, or swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eye
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Stinging, irritation or burning of your eyes
• Unpleasant taste
• Unusual watering of eyes or discharge

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Alocril

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Nedocromil is used to help treat the itching that occurs with allergic conjunctivitis. To use the ophthalmic solution (eye drops)form of this medicine:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Blink a few times to make sure the eye is covered with the medicine.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.