Pronunciation:

ne-DOK-ROE-mil

Brand Names:

• Alocril

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic—

Mast Cell Stabilizer

Uses of This Medicine:

Nedocromilis 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.

Before Using This Medicine:

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

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

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.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

Dosing—

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

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—

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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:

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision

change in color vision

cough

difficulty breathing

noisy breathing

shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing

difficulty seeing at night

dry or itching eyes

headache

increased sensitivity of eyes to sunlight

redness, pain, or swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eye

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

stinging, irritation or burning of your eyes

unpleasant taste

unusual watering of eyes or discharge

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.