Cromolyn

Cromolyn Sodium Drug Information

• Cromolyn Overview

  Cromolyn is used to treat certain allergic eye conditions (vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, vernal keratitis). It prevents itching of the eyes that can occur with these conditions. Cromolyn is known as a mast cell stabilizer. It works by blocking certain natural substances (histamine, SRS-A) that cause allergic symptoms.

• How to Use Cromolyn

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using cromolyn and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. It is best to avoid wearing contact lenses while using Cromolyn. Cromolyn is used in the affected eye(s), usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Treatment may be continued for as long as 3 months. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Repeat these steps if your dose is for more than 1 drop and for the other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap tightly after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use Cromolyn regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. It may take up to several days of continued use to see a relief in symptoms and up to 6 weeks for full benefit. If immediate relief of symptoms (itching) is needed, use other quick-relief medication (such as eye drops containing antihistamines, decongestants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs) along with cromolyn as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Cromolyn Precautions

  Before using cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Cromolyn may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,contact lens use. After you apply Cromolyn, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Cromolyn should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether Cromolyn passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cromolyn Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cromolyn, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Cromolyn Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

• Cromolyn Side Effects

  What are Cromolyn side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cromolyn may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cromolyn as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cromolyn

  The side effects of Cromolyn may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cromolyn. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cromolyn may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cromolyn, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cromolyn.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cromolyn, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cromolyn and the side effects associated with Cromolyn are described in the following:

  Common Cromolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • ocular pain
  • ocular irritation

  Less Frequent Cromolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Cromolyn Side Effects

  Severe

  • chemosis
  • contact dermatitis

  Less Severe

  • dry eye
  • ocular inflammation
  • ocular itching
  • dyspnea

• Cromolyn Storage

  Store dropper bottle upright at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Discard any remaining solution after 4 weeks if directed to do so by the product manufacturer. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cromolyn when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.