DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Alocril

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Antiallergic
• Mast cell stabilizer

Description

Nedocromil (ne-DOK-roe-mil)is used to treat the itching in your eyes that happens with allergies.

Nedocromil works by acting on certain inflammatory cells to prevent them from releasing substances that cause allergic symptom.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

• Topical
• Ophthalmic solution (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nedocromil, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nedocromil. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances.

Pregnancy—Nedocromil has not been studied in pregnant women. However, nedocromil has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether nedocromil passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Nedocromil has been tested in children 3 years of age and older. In effective doses, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—No differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—Nedocromil is used to help treat the itching that occurs with allergic conjunctivitis . To use the ophthalmic solution (eye drops) form of this medicine:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Blink a few times to make sure the eye is covered with the medicine.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Missed dose— If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

You should avoid wearing your contact lenses while your eyes are itching from your allergies.

Side Effects of This Medicine

The side effects that may occur usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 03/28/2000
Revised: 08/07/2000

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