Sodium cromoglicate eye drops

About sodium cromoglicate eye drops

Exposure to irritants such as plant pollens, pet fur or pollution can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. Some other substances such as cosmetics or contact lens cleaning solutions may sometimes also cause the body to produce histamine. The release of histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as red, itchy and watery eyes. Sodium cromoglicate eye drops relieve the eye symptoms of allergies and hayfever by reducing the amount of histamine released in the body.

Before using sodium cromoglicate eye drops

Before using sodium cromoglicate eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use sodium cromoglicate eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to administer one drop
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use these drops in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or fingers
9. Wash your hands
10. Sodium cromoglicate drops should be used four times a day or as directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use these drops as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning 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.
• Do not swallow sodium cromoglicate eye drops. If you or someone else has, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container or bottle with you if possible.
• Try to use this preparation at regular intervals as directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it 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 sodium cromoglicate eye drops.
• If you wear hard contact lenses, remove them before using the these drops. Leave them out for at least half an hour before re-inserting.
• When first put in, sodium cromoglicate eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.

Can sodium cromoglicate eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common problems that people experience when using sodium cromoglicate eye drops are shown below:

If any of these effects continue or become severe stop using sodium cromoglicate eye drops and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Also,
if you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to these eye drops, stop using them and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium cromoglicate eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines