Nedocromil sodium eye drops


  • Nedocromil sodium eye drops are used for relieving the eye symptoms of allergic reactions including hayfever.
  • They are usually used twice each day, although they can be used up to four times a day for severe symptoms.
  • These drops are not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Type of medicine Anti-inflammatory eye preparation
Used for Relieving the eye symptoms of allergies including hayfever
Also called Nedocromil sodium
Rapitil®
Available as Eye drops

Exposure to substances such as plant pollens, pet fur or pollution can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as red, itchy and watery eyes.

Nedocromil sodium eye drops relieve the eye symptoms of allergies such as hayfever by reducing the amount of histamine released in the body.

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.
  • 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.

How to use nedocromil sodium eye drops:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has swallowed any of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking or using.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, RapitilĀ® Eye Drops; Manufacturer's PIL, RapitilĀ® Eye Drops, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 14/12/2010 Document ID: 3771  Version: 23 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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