Alocril (nedocromil) is an eye drop for eye-related allergy symptoms, such as itchiness or watery eyes. Typically, you place 1 to 2 drops into your eyes twice daily. But it's not a first-choice option for allergy symptoms. Some common side effects of this medication include headaches and eye irritation.
Itchy or watery eyes from allergy
Alocril (nedocromil) is a mast cell stabilizer. It works by stopping the cells in your eye from releasing chemicals that cause allergic symptoms, like itchy and red eyes.
Source:Â DailyMed
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
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
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.
Relieves itchy and red eyes due to allergies
Can be combined with oral allergy medications
Can be used in children age 3 years and older
Requires a prescription
Not a first-line treatment option for allergy-related itchy eyes
Often causes headache
Wash your hands before putting Alocril (nedocromil) drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help you avoid eye infections by keeping the medication clean and free of germs.
After placing a drop in the eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop.
If you're using Alocril (nedocromil) at the same time as other eye medications, wait about 5 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.
Headache is a common side effect of Alocril (nedocromil). If it doesn't go away or is too bothersome, talk to your provider.
Don't wear contact lenses while using Alocril (nedocromil). In general, it's best not to wear contact lenses when you're experiencing eye allergies because they can irritate your eyes more.
Even if your symptoms get better, continue using Alocril (nedocromil) until you're no longer exposed to the allergen that's causing your symptoms. Alocril (nedocromil) works best if you apply it regularly. It's not meant to be used on an "as-needed" basis.
Alocril (nedocromil) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Don't touch the Alocril (nedocromil) dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. Close the bottle after each dose. This will help you avoid eye infections by preventing germs from spreading to the solution.
Don't wear contacts while you're taking Alocril (nedocromil). The medication contains a preservative that might affect your lenses. If you're having eye allergies, it's best to not wear contact lenses until the allergies are gone.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
5ml of 2% | 1 eye dropper | $233.81 | $233.81 |
The typical dose is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) twice a day.
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.
Itchy or watery eyes from allergy
Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
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Ahn, J., et al. (2021). Binding affinity of benzalkonium chloride on contact lens surfaces and the effects on their physical properties. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.
Allergan, Inc. (2018). Alocril- nedocromil sodium solution/drops [package insert]. DailyMed.
Grigorian, A. P., et al. (2023). Allergic conjunctivitis. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Gudgel, D. T. (2023). How to put in eye drops. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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