Cromolyn, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: mast cell stabilizer

Generic and brand names: cromolyn, ophthalmic; Crolom; Opticrom

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat itching and inflammation from certain allergic eye conditions.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cromolyn or benzalkonium chloride.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Use the drops regularly as prescribed by your health care provider.

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 with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye 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. After use, put the cap on tightly.

What should I watch out for?

Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Lenses 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 health care provider.

Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your health care provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider if they become 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; styes.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other eye medicines, including nonprescription products, unless your eye health care provider approves.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

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 health care 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.