Colirio de cromoglicato sódico

About sodium cromoglicate eye drops

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, watery, itchy eyes. A common cause is an allergy to pollen in the hay fever season. Other less common causes are allergies to house dust mite and cosmetics, and problems with contact lenses.

Sodium cromoglicate eye drops relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by reducing the release of a chemical called histamine which causes inflammation. They are suitable for use in adults and children. The drops are available on prescription, and you can also buy them at a pharmacy and other retail outlets, without a prescription.

Sodium cromoglicate is also available as a nasal spray, inhaler and oral capsules. See the individual medicine leaflets for more information on these products.

Before using sodium cromoglicate eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using sodium cromoglicate eye drops it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• Si usa lentes de contacto blandas.

• If you have dry eye disease or are using eye drops for dry eyes.

• Si está embarazada o en período de lactancia. Esto se debe a que, mientras esté embarazada o amamantando a un bebé, sólo debe utilizar medicamentos por recomendación de un médico.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a algún colirio.

How to use sodium cromoglicate eye drops

1. Lávese las manos antes de utilizar las gotas.

2. Retire el tapón (o la punta de la unidad si está utilizando una unidad monodosis).

3. Inclina un poco la cabeza hacia atrás y tira del párpado inferior del ojo hacia fuera para formar una bolsa.

4. Mantenga el frasco (o la monodosis) boca abajo cerca del ojo. Procure no tocarse el ojo al hacerlo.

5. Press the container gently to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

6. Cierre el ojo durante uno o dos minutos y presione suavemente en el lado de la nariz donde el rabillo del ojo se une con la nariz. Esto ayuda a evitar que la gota se escurra y la mantiene en el ojo.

7. Repite el proceso en el otro ojo.

8. Vuelva a colocar el tapón (o si utiliza la unidad monodosis, tírelo).

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Antes de empezar a usar el colirio, lea el prospecto impreso del envase. Le dará más información sobre el colirio y le proporcionará una lista completa de los efectos secundarios que puede experimentar con su uso.

• Use the drops four times each day into both eyes, or as directed by a doctor. Try to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. If you need to use the drops for longer than two weeks, you should only do so on the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacist.

• Never 'share' a bottle of eye drops with another person - this can lead to eye infections.

• Tenga cuidado de no tocar la punta del gotero con el ojo, los dedos o cualquier otra superficie. Así evitará que las gotas se contaminen.

• Cuando se ponen por primera vez, las gotas oculares pueden hacer que los ojos lloren y, a veces, provocar visión borrosa. Si esto ocurre, debería desaparecer rápidamente. Asegúrese de volver a ver con claridad antes de conducir o utilizar herramientas o máquinas.

• If your symptoms do not start to improve within two days, make an appointment to speak with a doctor.

• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave 5-10 minutes between using each one.

• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using sodium cromoglicate eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which can affect soft contact lenses. The single-dose units do not contain a preservative.

Can sodium cromoglicate eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with sodium cromoglicate eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the drops. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which some people can develop an allergic reaction to. If your eye becomes red or inflamed because of using the drops, contact your doctor for advice. Long-term use of preserved eye drops may lead to eye irritation and symptoms of dry eyes.

How to store sodium cromoglicate eye drops

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Bottles of eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use the drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

• Single-dose units should be used as soon as the unit is opened. Do not store or re-use opened units for subsequent doses. This is because the units do not contain any preservative.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos