Cromolyn Eye Drops (Crolom)

What are Cromolyn eye drops used for?

Cromolyn eye drops is an ophthalmic solution used to treat symptoms caused by allergies. These include itchy, swollen, red, and teary eyes. Cromolyn eye drops belong to a class of medication called mast cell stabilizers.

How does Cromolyn work?

Mast cells are a part of the white blood cell family in the immune system. They are rich in histamines and other chemicals that are known for their role in inducing allergic reactions. The eye drops work by preventing the release of inflammatory substances that cause inflammation and swelling.

When to use Cromolyn eye drops

Cromolyn eye drops should be used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist at around the same time every day to help manage ophthalmic allergy symptoms. As the medication is a mast cell stabilizer, it should be used to prevent allergy symptoms rather than treat them once they have occurred. 

Who can take Cromolyn eye drops?

Cromolyn may be safely prescribed to patients over the age of 4. However, parental supervision and administration is advised for children of younger age groups. 

Are Cromolyn eye drops available over the counter?

Cromolyn eye drops are not available over the counter, and a doctor's prescription is needed for purchase. If you want to purchase Cromolyn eye drops, simply fill out our consultation form on the Medzino website, and one of our doctors will determine if the medication is suitable for you.

Where can I buy Cromolyn eye drops?

You can purchase Cromolyn eye drops by requesting a prescription from Medzino. If one of our doctors feels it is safe and appropriate to prescribe, our pharmacy will ship it in plain discreet packaging right to your door.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in the ophthalmic solution is Sodium Cromoglicate 2% w/v.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in the ophthalmic solution are benzalkonium chloride (as preservative) 0.01% w/v, sodium chloride, disodium edetate, polysorbate 80 and water for injections.

Which Cromolyn Ophthalmic Eye solution ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

Benzalkonium chloride is a preservative added to the ophthalmic solution. Some people can develop allergic reactions to this ingredient. If you notice your eye getting red or inflamed due to the eye drops, make sure to stop using the eye drops immediately and seek medical attention.

How to administer Cromolyn eye drops

It is always important to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist when using the eye drops. If you are not clear on how to administer the eye drops, check with them before use. Usually, the eye drops' standard dose is 1 or 2 drops in each eye, 4 times daily. Use the eye drops around the same time every day.

Here is a step by step guide on how to use Cromolyn eye drops:

1. Wash hands before use
2. Refrain from touching the eyes or any external surface with the tip of the bottle 
3. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before administering the medication. 
4. Tilt your head backward, looking up towards the ceiling 
5. Gently pull your lower eyelid down 
6. Gently squeeze the bottle while holding it over your eye and let a drop of medication into your eye 
7. Keep the eye shut, press your fingertip against the inside corner of the closed eye, and hold it for a minute
8. Repeat the necessary steps in the other eye 
9. Make sure to replace the cover securely on the medicine bottle

Cromolyn eye drops side effects

Every medication has the potential to cause side effects. You may not experience any side effects, but it is important to identify any side effects and get medical attention when needed.

Common side effects include a burning or stinging sensation in the eye. This sensation is usually mild and temporary. Dryness, puffiness, watering, and itchy eyes are less common symptoms associated with Cromolyn eye drops. 

Contraindications

Cromolyn eye drops are contraindicated in patients who have shown previous hypersensitivity to the cromolyn sodium ingredients or any other ingredients in the eye drops formulation. There are no other contraindications noted.

Adverse reactions

If you experience a rash, redness, or swelling around the eyes that was not present before treatment, please stop the medication and contact your doctor.

Can Cromolyn eye drops be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women?

The effects cromolyn has on pregnancy, or if the medication passes into breast milk is unknown. The medication should not be used unless directed by the doctor, and if the benefits outweigh the risk.

Can Cromolyn eye drops affect my vision?

Upon administering the medication, your vision may become blurry; however, this will resolve after a few minutes. During this time, it is important to refrain from operating any heavy machinery or driving.

Cromolyn nasal spray

Cromolyn is also available as a nasal spray. The nasal spray is used as a preventative medication to treat nasal allergic symptoms. These include congestion, a runny nose, itching, and sneezing.  Cromolyn nasal spray is also a mast cell stabilizer.

Olopatadine HCL eye solution

Olopatadine HCl is another ophthalmic solution used to treat allergic eye symptoms. Olopatadine HCl is used mainly to treat the ophthalmic symptom of itchy eyes caused by the allergic conjunctivitis. It can also be used to relieve itchy eyes or red eyes caused by allergens such as pollen or dander. Olopatadine HCl is an antihistamine and works by preventing the effects of histamines on the body.