Indications
Sodium Cromoglicate is used to prevent and relieve allergy symptoms:
- Eye drops: itchy, red, watery eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), including seasonal hay fever and longer-lasting allergic eye conditions.
- Nasal spray or drops: sneezing, runny or blocked nose caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis).
Some nasal products also contain Xylometazoline, a decongestant that clears a blocked nose.
How It Works
It is a mast cell stabiliser. Mast cells are cells in the eyes and nose that release histamine and other chemicals when they meet an allergen such as pollen or dust. Sodium Cromoglicate keeps these cells from releasing those chemicals, so the allergic reaction is prevented. It works best when used regularly, before and during allergen exposure, and may take several days to reach full effect.
Dosage and Administration
- Eye drops (2%): adults and children, usually 1 or 2 drops in each eye 4 times a day.
- Eye drops (4%): usually used fewer times a day; follow the pack or the doctor’s advice.
- Nasal spray or drops: usually 1 spray or the stated number of drops in each nostril 2 to 4 times a day, as directed on the pack.
- Products that also contain Xylometazoline: do not use for more than 7 days in a row.
Wash your hands first. Do not let the dropper or nozzle touch the eye, nose or any surface. Keep using it through the allergy season even when you feel better.
Interactions
Very little Sodium Cromoglicate enters the blood, so interactions with medicines taken by mouth are not expected. If using more than one eye product, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Products containing Xylometazoline should not be used with MAO inhibitor antidepressants or within 14 days of stopping them.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Sodium Cromoglicate or any ingredient, such as the preservative.
- For products with Xylometazoline: narrow-angle glaucoma, recent nose or brain surgery, and children below the age stated on the pack.
Side Effects
Eye drops: brief stinging or burning and blurred vision just after use. Nasal use: nose irritation, sneezing, an unpleasant taste and, rarely, nosebleed.
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash), severe eye pain, or a sudden change in vision.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Only a tiny amount is absorbed, and it is generally considered one of the safer choices for allergy in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before use, especially for combined products with Xylometazoline.
Precautions and Warnings
- Remove soft contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back; many drops contain a preservative that soft lenses absorb.
- Do not drive until blurred vision has cleared.
- If eye symptoms get worse or do not improve, or if there is pain or discharge, see a doctor, since this may be an infection rather than allergy.
- Use Xylometazoline combinations with care in high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.
Overdose
Using too many drops is unlikely to cause harm. If a child swallows a product containing Xylometazoline, seek medical advice straight away, as it can cause drowsiness and slow breathing in young children.
Therapeutic Class
Mast cell stabiliser (anti-allergic).
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Discard eye drops 4 weeks after opening, or as stated on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.