Sign inBefore using nedocromil sodium eye drops
Before using these eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you wear contact lenses.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to these or any other eye drops.
How to use nedocromil sodium eye drops
- Use these eye drops exactly as your doctor has told you to. Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet that comes with the drops before you start to use them.
- Nedocromil sodium eye drops are usually used twice a day. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest using them up to four times daily.
- If you forget to use the drops, use them as soon as you remember and then continue as before.
- If you are using these drops for hayfever, do not use them for a period of more than 12 weeks.
- Wash your hands well before use.
- Remove the cap.
- Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
- Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye.
- Apply enough pressure to the bottle to release one drop into your eye, but try not to touch your eye with the dropper itself. If you think that you have missed your eye, then insert another drop.
- 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.
- Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use these drops in both eyes.
- Replace the cap.
- Wash your hands.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
- These eye drops are for you. Never give them to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
- Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with nedocromil sodium eye drops.
- If you wear hard contact lenses, remove them before using these drops. Leave them out for at least 10 minutes after using the drops before re-inserting.
Can nedocromil sodium eye drops cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the eye drops, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Mild eye irritation, such as burning or stinging | This should soon disappear as your eyes adjust to the new drops. If it continues, speak with your pharmacist or doctor |
| Odd taste in the mouth | After using the drops, make sure you press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose, for a minute or so. It may also help to have a soft drink after using the drops |
| Blurred vision | This usually disappears within a few minutes. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision is clear |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to these eye drops, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How to store nedocromil sodium 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.
- Eye drops only keep for 4 weeks once opened. After this time make sure you have a fresh supply.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Rapitil® Eye Drops, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009, accessed November 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)