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Overview: Cromolyn ophthalmic is an eye drop used to treat redness and itching in the eyes caused by certain allergic eye conditions. It is a mast cell stabilizer. The most common side effects of cromolyn eye drops are eye stinging and eye burning.

Uses

What is cromolyn ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Cromolyn ophthalmic is commonly used to treat symptoms of certain types of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) due to allergens, which are substances that cause allergies. Allergens include pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander that enter the eye.

Cromolyn ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Cromolyn is also available in other forms. See Cromolyn, Cromolyn inhaled, and Cromolyn nasal for more information.

How does cromolyn ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Cromolyn ophthalmic is a type of medicine known as a mast cell stabilizer. Mast cell stabilizers work by preventing mast cells (a type of immune cell) from releasing histamines and other substances that cause inflammation. By stabilizing these cells, cromolyn ophthalmic can help reduce allergy symptoms.

How is cromolyn ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Crolom
  • Cromoptic
  • Opticrom

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 4% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store cromolyn ophthalmic?

Cromolyn ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Protect from light by keeping the bottle in its original carton. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cromolyn ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of cromolyn ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye stinging
  • Eye burning

There may be other side effects of cromolyn ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cromolyn ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cromolyn ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cromolyn ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using cromolyn ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use cromolyn ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cromolyn ophthalmic.

  • Cromolyn
  • Crolom
  • Cromoptic
  • Opticrom
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cromolyn ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about cromolyn ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use cromolyn ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share cromolyn ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep cromolyn ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Wash your hands well before each use. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use eye drops. Read and follow the instructions that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Cromolyn ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye.  Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use any other eye medicine or wear contact lenses while using cromolyn ophthalmic unless your health care provider tells you it is okay to do so.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cromolyn ophthalmic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine whether cromolyn ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cromolyn ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cromolyn ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does cromolyn ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cromolyn ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between cromolyn ophthalmic and alcohol.

Does cromolyn ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between cromolyn ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cromolyn ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much cromolyn ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cromolyn ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.