Drug
Cromolyn
Pronounced
"CROW-mow-lin, off-THAL-mick"
Uses
This medication 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.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other eye conditions (such as allergic conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using cromolyn and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. Treatment may be continued for as long as 3 months.
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 this medication.
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 (such as 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.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep 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 lasts or gets worse.