Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: CROMOLYN - OPHTHALMIC (CROW-mow-lin, off-THAL-mick)

BRAND NAME(S): Crolom

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat allergies in the eye. It relieves itchy and watery eyes, tearing and redness associated with allergies.

HOW TO USE: This medication is for use in the eye(s). For best results, this medication must be used regularly as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Apply eye drops to the affected eye(s) as follows: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. Shake the eye drops before using. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Improvement is usually seen within a few days, but it may take up to six weeks for the full benefit to occur.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may temporarily blur vision, sting or burn your eyes for a minute or two when applied. Other side effects reported include itchy or puffy eyes, eye irritation and dry eyes. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: other eye problems, contact lens use, any allergies. Because this medication may temporarily blur your vision, use caution driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication as it may harm them. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.