Sodium Cromoglicate

What are Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops?

Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops are a generic medication that work to reduce the symptoms of red, puffy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). They’re mostly prescribed to treat hay fever symptoms, but they can also help with other allergies, such as pet hair or dust mite allergies. You can use them when you notice symptoms, though some studies have shown that it can be more beneficial to use them regularly throughout the high pollen season to avoid symptoms appearing.

Allergic conjunctivitis happens when your body’s immune system wrongly perceives something to be a threat. It releases a chemical called histamine which can cause a range of allergy symptoms, such as itchiness and runny nose, as well as red and puffy eyes.

How do Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops work?

Sodium cromoglicate, the active ingredient in the eye drops, works by stopping the chemical, histamine, from being produced and causing the symptoms in your eyes. Although it combats histamine, sodium cromoglicate isn’t classed as an ‘antihistamine’. It belongs to a class of anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory medications.

What doses of Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops are there?

Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops come in only one strength: 2% w/v. The standard dose is two drops in each eye, four times a day, but your clinician may recommend something different depending on your symptoms.

If your dose isn’t working to help your symptoms as you’d hoped it would, contact our clinician. You may need to adjust how you use it or try another treatment.

How to use Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops

You should always use your medication exactly as prescribed by our clinician. To use Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops:

• wash your hands;
• avoid touching your eyes with the tip of the bottle;
• make sure that if you wear soft contact lenses they are removed, and that you wait 15 minutes before putting them back in;
• screw the cap down tightly when using for the first time to pierce the seal;
• tilt your head back and look upwards;
• gently pull your bottom eyelid down;
• hold the bottle above your eye and gently squeeze it to release a drop into your eye;
• keep your eye closed and gently push your fingertip into the inside corner of the eye for a minute;
• repeat the process for the other eye if you need to;
• replace and tighten the cap straight after use.

How long does it take Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops to work?

You should feel some relief from your symptoms within a couple of minutes of using the medication. If you don’t notice any change in your symptoms after two days you should stop using the treatment and contact our clinician for guidance.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops?

If you accidentally use too much or swallow Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops, you should seek medical advice straight away. If you forget to use your dose then you can use it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s not too close to your next dose. If it is, then ignore that dose and carry on as normal. Don’t double up on doses to make up for missed ones.