Indications
Sodium Cromoglicate 2% eye drops (also sold as Cromoglycate 2% Eye Drops, for example Optacrom) are used to prevent and to treat the symptoms of certain allergic eye disorders. These include vernal kerato conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, vernal keratitis and allergic keratoconjunctivitis. Most patients get relief from itching, tearing, redness and discharge within a few days of starting the drops. In some patients, though, up to 6 weeks of treatment may be needed before the symptoms ease as well as they can. Once the symptoms have improved, the treatment should carry on for as long as needed to keep that improvement.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.