Uses
Cromolyn ophthalmic is used to treat the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (a condition in which the eyes become itchy, swollen, red, and teary when they are exposed to certain substances) and keratitis (a condition that causes swelling of the cornea [tissue in the front of the eye] that causes eye redness, pain, and tearing and changes in vision) in adults and children 4 years of age and older. Cromolyn is in a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation (swelling) of the eyes.
Side Effects Of Cromolyn Ophthalmic
Cromolyn ophthalmic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- stinging or burning of the eyes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- shortness of breath
- swelling
- rash
Cromolyn ophthalmic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using cromolyn ophthalmic:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cromolyn, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cromolyn ophthalmic. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following, especially other eye medications. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using cromolyn ophthalmic, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses while you are using cromolyn eye drops.
Dosage Of Cromolyn Ophthalmic
- Cromolyn ophthalmic comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually instilled into the affected eye(s) 4 to 6 times a day. Use cromolyn ophthalmic at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use cromolyn eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use them more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
- Your symptoms (eye itching, tearing, redness, and discharge) should improve within a few days but may require up to 6 weeks of treatment. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, call your doctor.
- To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
- While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
- Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
- While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop of cromolyn ophthalmic falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
- Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
- If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.
- Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle of cromolyn ophthalmic immediately after use. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription of cromolyn ophthalmic.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
