Sodium cromoglycate 2% w/v (cromolyn sodium)
Class: Mast cell stabilizer / Antiallergic ophthalmic agent
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Sterile ophthalmic solution (clear eye drops)
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Prevention and treatment of allergic eye conditions (allergic conjunctivitis), including:
- Eye redness, itching, watering, swelling, burning, or irritation from allergies (e.g., hay fever/pollen, pet dander, house dust mites, seasonal/perennial allergens).
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (chronic allergic eye inflammation, often in children/young adults).
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (e.g., from contact lenses).
- Acute/chronic allergic ocular disorders.
Provides prophylactic relief (best started before allergen exposure) and symptom control; may take days to weeks for full effect. Not for bacterial/viral eye infections or as a decongestant (no vasoconstrictor like tetrahydrozoline).
Dosage:
Instill into affected eye(s) only; wash hands first; avoid touching dropper tip to eye/lid to prevent contamination. Typical:
Adults and children ≥4 years: 1–2 drops in each affected eye 4–6 times daily (regularly spaced, e.g., every 4–6 hours).
Children <4 years: Not recommended without doctor advice (limited data).
For prevention (e.g., seasonal allergies): Start 1–2 weeks before exposure season.
Duration: As needed (short-term for acute symptoms; longer prophylactic use ok under guidance); continue even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence. If using other eye drops, wait 5–10 minutes between applications.
Adults and children ≥4 years: 1–2 drops in each affected eye 4–6 times daily (regularly spaced, e.g., every 4–6 hours).
Children <4 years: Not recommended without doctor advice (limited data).
For prevention (e.g., seasonal allergies): Start 1–2 weeks before exposure season.
Duration: As needed (short-term for acute symptoms; longer prophylactic use ok under guidance); continue even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence. If using other eye drops, wait 5–10 minutes between applications.
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient, often resolve quickly): Burning/stinging/irritation upon instillation, blurred vision (temporary), eye dryness/puffiness, mild redness.
Less common: Headache, unpleasant taste (if drains to throat), mouth/throat irritation, joint pain (rare systemic).
Serious (rare): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling around eyes, breathing difficulty—seek immediate care), worsening eye irritation/redness, styes, or signs of infection (increased pain/discharge).
Less common: Headache, unpleasant taste (if drains to throat), mouth/throat irritation, joint pain (rare systemic).
Serious (rare): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling around eyes, breathing difficulty—seek immediate care), worsening eye irritation/redness, styes, or signs of infection (increased pain/discharge).
Warnings & Precautions:
For external ocular use only—do not ingest or inject.
Remove soft contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes after instillation to reinsert; may discolor lenses).
If symptoms persist/worsen after a few days, or include vision changes/pain/discharge, seek ophthalmologist (may indicate infection/other issue).
Discard bottle 4 weeks after opening (contamination risk).
Use caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data—consult doctor; generally low systemic absorption).
Not for steroid-dependent allergies (may need additional therapy).
Remove soft contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes after instillation to reinsert; may discolor lenses).
If symptoms persist/worsen after a few days, or include vision changes/pain/discharge, seek ophthalmologist (may indicate infection/other issue).
Discard bottle 4 weeks after opening (contamination risk).
Use caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data—consult doctor; generally low systemic absorption).
Not for steroid-dependent allergies (may need additional therapy).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited human data; animal studies show no major risks at therapeutic doses—use only if clearly needed (low systemic absorption); consult doctor.
Lactation: Minimal excretion in breast milk expected—generally compatible short-term; consult provider.
Lactation: Minimal excretion in breast milk expected—generally compatible short-term; consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Minimal significant (topical/low systemic absorption).
No major known interactions with other eye drops, but separate administration by 5–10 minutes if using multiple products.
No major known interactions with other eye drops, but separate administration by 5–10 minutes if using multiple products.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to sodium cromoglycate, cromolyn sodium, or any excipient (e.g., preservatives like benzalkonium chloride).
Not for non-allergic eye conditions without medical advice.
Not for non-allergic eye conditions without medical advice.
Price: Ksh 332/-
Notes:
Avoid touching tip of the eye drop, discard after 4 weeks once opened