Type of medicine: mast cell stabilizer
Generic and brand names: cromolyn, ophthalmic; Crolom; Opticrom
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat itching and inflammation from certain allergic eye conditions.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine or to benzalkonium chloride.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the drops regularly, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more of this medicine or use it more often than prescribed.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and press gently on the inside corner of your eye with a fingertip to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.
To avoid contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not share eye medicine with other people. If this medicine is contaminated it may cause serious eye infections. After use, put the cap on tightly.
If you are using more than one type of eyedrop, use them at least 10 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which eyedrops to use first.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Contacts may be worn again within a few hours after you stop using the medicine completely.
If your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.
Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider if they become severe): Severe stinging or burning after using the medicine.
Other: Watery, itchy, puffy eyes; dryness around the eyes; eye irritation; mild stinging feeling in the eyes; blurred vision; styes.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other eye medicines, including nonprescription products, unless your eye healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
