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Nedocromil sodium eye drops

Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 19/2/2020: Rapitil® eye drops were discontinued in the UK in April 2018. At the time of review there are no branded or generic eye drop products containing nedocromil available in the UK. Nedocromil eye drops may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

Nedocromil sodium eye drops help to prevent red, watery, itchy eyes caused by allergies.

The drops are usually used twice a day. If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor may suggest you use them three or four times daily.

When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. Wait until this clears before you drive or before you use tools or machines.

At a glance

  • Nedocromil sodium eye drops are anti-allergic drops used to relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

  • These drops work by preventing the release of substances that cause allergic reactions in your eyes.

  • Use one drop in each eye, two to four times daily, as directed by your doctor.

  • Do not wear soft contact lenses while using these drops, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

  • Common side-effects include mild eye irritation and an unusual taste in your mouth.

  • If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, see your doctor.

  • Dispose of the eye drops four weeks after opening, even if some liquid remains.

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About nedocromil sodium eye drops

Typ av medicin

Anti-allergic eye drops

Används för

To relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Även kallad

Alocril® (in US); Rapitil® (discontinued)

Tillgänglig som

Eye drops

Allergic conjunctivitis causes red, watery, itchy eyes. It is caused by exposure to irritants such as plant pollens, pet fur, cosmetics or house dust mite. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis occurs at certain times in a year, a common cause being an allergy to pollen in the hay fever season. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis persists throughout the year. This is commonly due to an allergy to house dust mite or animal hair.

Nedocromil sodium eye drops can help prevent the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. The drops work by stopping the release of certain natural substances which can lead to an allergic reaction in your eyes. The drops can be prescribed for adults and for older children.

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using nedocromil sodium eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Om du bär mjuka kontaktlinser.

  • Om du är gravid eller ammar.

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops.

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  1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.

  2. Remove the cap.

  3. Tilt your head back a little and then pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket between the eye and the lower eyelid.

  4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

  5. Apply sufficient pressure to the bottle to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

  6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

  7. Repeat the process in your other eye.

  8. Replace the cap.

  • Before you start using the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about the drops, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using them.

  • Please follow the directions your doctor gives to you for using the eye drops. You could be asked to use the drops two, three or four times a day. Put one drop into both eyes for each dose. Try to use the drops at regular intervals throughout the day, and try not to miss any doses. If you are using the drops for hay fever, do not use them continually for more than three months.

  • Take care not to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface with the dropper of the bottle. This could contaminate the drops left in the bottle.

  • When you first put the drop into your eye, it may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or before you use machines or tools.

  • If you are using any other eye drops, leave 5-10 minutes between using the other eye drops. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and not have the intended effect.

  • If your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days, or if they become worse, make another appointment to see a doctor.

  • Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using nedocromil sodium eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because there is a preservative in bottles of eye drops which can affect soft contact lenses.

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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 nedocromil sodium eye drops. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with nedocromil is from the manufacturer's printed information supplied with the drops. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common nedocromil sodium side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people)


Vad kan jag göra om jag upplever detta?

Mild eye irritation such as burning or stinging, blurred vision

These usually disappear within a few minutes of applying the eye drops. Do not drive and do not use tools or machines until your vision is clear again

An unusual taste in your mouth

After using the drops, remember to press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. You can also try having a drink to take the taste away

Occasionally people can be allergic to eye drops, particularly when the eye drops contain a preservative. If you notice a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or increased itching, stop using the drops and contact a doctor for advice. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

  • Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

  • Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

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

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

Denna medicin är för dig. Ge den aldrig till andra människor även om deras tillstånd verkar vara detsamma som ditt.

Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your prescribed medicines.

If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

Om du ska genomgå en operation eller tandbehandling, informera den som utför behandlingen om vilka mediciner du använder.

Behåll inte föråldrade eller oönskade mediciner. Ta dem till ditt lokala apotek som kommer att ta hand om dem åt dig.

Om du har några frågor om denna medicin, fråga din apotekare.

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Vanliga frågor

What is allergic conjunctivitis and what causes it?

Allergic conjunctivitis makes your eyes red, watery, and itchy. It's triggered by things like plant pollens, pet fur, cosmetics, or house dust mites. It can be seasonal, often due to pollen during hay fever season, or perennial, meaning it lasts all year, commonly from house dust mites or animal hair.

How do nedocromil sodium eye drops work to help my eyes?

These eye drops help prevent the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by stopping the release of certain natural substances in your eyes that can cause an allergic reaction. This action helps to reduce the redness, watering, and itching associated with the condition.

Can children use nedocromil sodium eye drops?

Yes, nedocromil sodium eye drops can be prescribed for older children, as well as adults, to help prevent the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

What should I do if my vision becomes blurry after using the drops?

If your vision becomes blurry after putting in the eye drops, it should clear up quickly. You should make sure your vision is completely clear again before you drive, use machines, or operate tools to ensure your safety.

How can I avoid an unusual taste in my mouth after using the eye drops?

To help prevent an unusual taste in your mouth, after putting in the drops, gently press on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. You can also try having a drink to help take the taste away.

What should I do if the eye drops don't seem to be working or my symptoms get worse?

If your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days of using the drops, or if they become worse, you should make another appointment to see a doctor for further advice.

How long can I use nedocromil sodium eye drops for hay fever?

If you are using the eye drops specifically for hay fever, you should not use them continuously for more than three months. Always follow your doctor's directions for usage.

Vidare läsning och referenser

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Artikelhistorik

Informationen på denna sida är skriven och granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.

  • Next review due: 27 Aug 2027
  • 28 Feb 2023 | Senaste versionen

    Senast uppdaterad av

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Granskad av

    Sid Dajani
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