Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication. It works by preventing the release of
substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat allergy symptoms that affect the
eyes, such as itching, burning, watering, swelling, redness, or sensitivity to light.
Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use
this medication. Before you use cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, tell your doctor about all of your medical
conditions.
FDA pregnancy category B. Cromolyn sodium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.
How should I take cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
For best results, use this medication 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 dropper tip down. Look up and
away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye
(near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you
use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including
the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye,
which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
It may take up to 6 weeks of using cromolyn sodium before your symptoms
improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your
symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.
Store cromolyn sodium ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and
light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until
then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to
make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Your pharmacist has information about cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
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.
Less serious side effects 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. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.
Do not allow the tip of the eye dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the
dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or
serious damage to the eye.
It may take up to 6 weeks of using cromolyn sodium before your symptoms improve. For best
results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve
after 6 weeks of treatment.
Do not wear contact lenses while using cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, or when you have
allergy symptoms affecting your eyes.
During treatment with cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, avoid using any other eye medications that
your doctor has not prescribed.
What should I avoid while taking cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication, or when you have allergy symptoms
affecting your eyes.
During treatment with cromolyn sodium ophthalmic, avoid using any other eye medications that
your doctor has not prescribed.
What other drugs will affect cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on cromolyn sodium
used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009