Generic name: cromolyn sodium (ophthalmic) [ KROE-moe-lin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Crolom, Opticrom
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (4%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?

Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat allergy symptoms that affect the eyes, such as itching, burning, watering, swelling, redness, or sensitivity to light.

Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cromolyn sodium ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation in your eyes after using the eye drops.

Common side effects of cromolyn sodium may include:

• mild burning or stinging after you use the eye drops;

• dry or irritated eyes;

• puffy eyes; or

• watery eyes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use cromolyn sodium if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old.

How should I use cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

For best results, use this medicine at regular intervals.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

It may take up to 6 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Cromolyn sodium dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day

Comments:
-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed.
-Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.

Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day

Comments:
-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed.
-Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.

Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis:

Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day

Comments:
-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed.
-Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.

Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Age: 4 years or older
Instill 1 or 2 drops into both eyes 4 to 6 times a day

Comments:
-Symptom improvement is generally observed within a few days although treatment up to 6 weeks may be needed.
-Treatment should continue as long as needed to sustain improvement.

Use: For the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and vernal keratitis.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of cromolyn sodium ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?

Do not wear contact lenses while using cromolyn sodium, or when you have allergy symptoms affecting your eyes.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect cromolyn sodium ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on cromolyn sodium used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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