Nedocromil ophthalmic (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Nedocromil is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. Symptoms of allergies occur when cells in your body called mast cells release substances after you come in contact with something to which you are allergic. Nedocromil is in a class of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. It works by stopping the release of these substances.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Nedocromil comes as eyedrops. One or two drops are usually applied to the affected eyes twice daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nedocromil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your allergy symptom (itchy eyes) should improve when you apply the eyedrops. If your symptoms do not improve or they worsen, call your doctor.

Continue to use nedocromil even if your eyes feel better. Continue to use it until you are no longer exposed to the substance that causes your symptoms, allergy season is over, or your doctor tells you to stop using it.

To use the eyedrops, follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Remove the protective cap. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 - 3 minutes tokeep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

What special precautions should I follow

Before using nedocromil eyedrops

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nedocromil or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins or herbal products.
• tell you doctor if you wear contact lenses; you should not wear contact lenses while you have the allergy symptom of itchy eyes.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Nedocromil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stinging or burning of the eyes
• blurred vision
• increased eye redness or itching

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Alocril®