This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Opticrom Consumer Information
OPTICROM
Generic Name: cromolyn ophthalmic (KROE moe lin)
Brand Names: Crolom, Opticrom
What is the most important information I should know about cromolyn ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with cromolyn ophthalmic, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What is cromolyn ophthalmic?
- Cromolyn is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.
- Cromolyn ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.
- Cromolyn ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not use cromolyn ophthalmic?
- Do not use cromolyn ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
- Cromolyn ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use cromolyn ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether cromolyn passes into breast milk. Do not use cromolyn ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Cromolyn ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 4 years of age.
How should I use cromolyn ophthalmic?
- Use cromolyn eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before using your eye drops.
- To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in your other eye if directed to do so by your doctor.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with cromolyn ophthalmic, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store cromolyn ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.
What should I avoid while using cromolyn ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with cromolyn ophthalmic, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Do not use other eye medications during treatment with nedocromil ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.