Optipan

Sodium Cromoglycate 2% sterile Eye Drops stop sensitised mast cells from releasing chemical mediators, and they can rapidly phosphorylate a mast cell protein. The exact way the drug works is still not fully understood. It appears to modulate the allergic response to antigen antibody interactions, so that toxic or inflammatory mediators are not formed or released afterwards. The effect seems to be mainly local, on the mucous membrane of the eye. About 0.03% of an eye dose of Sodium Cromoglycate 2% is absorbed into the body.

The drops prevent the release of mediators of type-I allergic reactions, including histamine and slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), from sensitised mast cells after the antigen antibody union has already taken place. The drug does not block IgE from binding to mast cells, and it does not block the interaction between cell bound IgE and the specific antigen. What it does is suppress the release of substances such as histamine and SRS-A in response to that reaction. Sodium Cromoglycate also inhibits Type-III (late allergic, Arthus) reactions.

In animal studies, Sodium Cromoglycate caused harmful effects on the foetus only at high doses given by injection. Reproduction studies in animals showed no sign of impaired fertility. Healthy babies have been born to women who took Sodium Cromoglycate throughout pregnancy, but there isn't enough evidence to establish that it is safe in pregnancy. So it should be used during pregnancy only when it is clearly needed. It isn't known whether Sodium Cromoglycate passes into human milk, so nursing women should use it with caution.

An overdose of Sodium Cromoglicate is unlikely. If someone swallows it by accident, the doctor will treat whatever symptoms appear.

Keep Sodium Cromoglicate 2% (Cromoglycate 2% Eye Drops) away from direct sunlight and store it below 30˚C. Once you've opened the cap of the bottle, throw away any solution that is left unused after 4 weeks.