Alocril (Ophthalmic)
Generic name: nedocromil [ ne-DOK-ROE-mil ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 14, 2024.
Uses for Alocril
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 Alocril
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.
Pediatric
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.
Geriatric
No differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.
Interactions with 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.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
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 Alocril
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.
Related/similar drugs
prednisone, cetirizine ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, azelastine ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, doxylamine
Precautions while using Alocril
You should avoid wearing your contact lenses while your eyes are itching from your allergies.
Side Effects of Alocril
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.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alocril
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer
More about Alocril (nedocromil ophthalmic)
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
- Breastfeeding
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.