Cromoglycic acid drops. Eye drops Cromohexal - a remedy for diseases of allergic origin

Every second person now knows what an allergy is. Either he himself or his relatives faced its manifestations. Therefore, antihistamines have become very popular in the pharmacy. One of them - "Kromoheksal" - eye drops produced by a German pharmaceutical company. After all, allergies are not just a skin rash or sneezing. Very often it manifests itself as severe itchy eyes. Without proper treatment, these allergic reactions lead to conjunctivitis or purulent keratitis. When scratching the eyes, an infection can enter the conjunctiva, which in severe cases causes loss of vision. Therefore, everyone who suffers from seasonal or household allergies should have Cromohexal (eye drops) in their home medicine cabinet.

Instructions for use: dosage

The action of the drug begins some time after it is instilled into the eyes. But the maximum effect is observed only after a couple of days. Therefore, it is necessary to use "Cromohexal" (eye drops) for the prevention of seasonal allergies a few days before its possible onset. The drug contains strong chemicals, so it is used only as directed by a doctor. Be sure to consult on the dosage of the medication and the duration of treatment.

Usually, most patients tolerate Cromohexal (eye drops) well. Instructions for use recommend instilling them into each conjunctival sac, 1-2 drops, no more. This is done every 5-8 hours. For most patients, this dosage is sufficient, but with severe manifestations of allergies, the frequency of use can be increased up to 8 times a day. It is recommended to instill the drug less often after the therapeutic effect is achieved. In the future, drops are used when exposed to allergens and during seasonal pollinosis.

The composition of the drug and the form of release

The main active ingredient of the drug is cromoglycic acid. It has a very strong effect and is contained in the drops in the form of sodium cromoglycate. Its concentration is only 2%. The drug is produced in small plastic dropper bottles to make it easier to comply with the dosage. What other substances does Cromohexal contain (eye drops)?

Benzalkonium chloride.

Sodium chloride.

Sorbitol liquid.

Sodium monohydrogen phosphate and dihydrogen phosphate.

- Water for injection as a base.

How do drops work?

The effectiveness of the drug is based on the ability of cromoglycic acid to act directly on the membranes of mast cells. These are the cells that are responsible for the production of hormones that trigger reactions to various allergens. And cromoglycic acid prevents the release of histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In addition, it blocks the movement of calcium ions. That is why "Cromohexal" stops and prevents the occurrence of allergic reactions so quickly. These eye drops also have the following effect:

Relieve itching and irritation of the eyes, the feeling of sand and foreign body on the eyeball;

Eliminate dryness, as they moisturize the mucous membrane of the eyes;

Stop lacrimation;

They have a decongestant effect;

Relieve conjunctival redness.

Indications for use

The drug is often prescribed in the complex therapy of many ophthalmic diseases and allergic reactions:

Acute and chronic conjunctivitis;

Acute and chronic keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis;

Itching and redness of the eyes with hay fever;

Prevention of allergic reactions;

To relieve dryness and irritation of the eyes when they are overstressed, when exposed to dust, wind or cosmetics.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is ineffective against viral and infectious conjunctivitis, cataracts and myopia. Therefore, you can use it only after a doctor's recommendation. Not everyone can use Cromohexal (eye drops). The instruction warns against their use by pregnant and lactating women. Cromoglycic acid passes into milk and may adversely affect the baby. Sometimes there is also an individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In this case, "Cromohexal" (eye drops) is also not used. For children under 4 years of age, the drug is contraindicated, and older ones can only use it as directed by a doctor.

Some patients do not like the fact that often after the instillation of the drug, the manifestations of eye irritation intensify: itching, burning and sensation of a foreign body in the eye. But it usually goes away after a few minutes. A decrease in visual acuity is also sometimes observed. In severe cases, there may be edema and hyperemia of the conjunctiva or the development of barley. Because of this, many allergy sufferers are forced to abandon the use of such effective drops.

special instructions

When instilled, the drug should be warm, so it is recommended to slightly warm the bottle in your hands.

Only less than 7% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and in a day it is excreted unchanged with bile and urine. But if it is necessary to use "Cromohexal" for a long time, it is necessary to monitor the state of the liver and kidneys.

It is undesirable to use the drug at the same time as other eye drops. There should be at least 20-30 minutes between the instillation of the two drugs.

When using drops, you should refuse to use soft contact lenses, and hard ones should be removed and put back on only 15 minutes after instillation.

It is advisable to use an open bottle within 6 weeks, otherwise the drug will only harm the eyes.

For the same reason, it is undesirable to touch the dropper nose with your hands or touch the skin with it.

If during the day the manifestations of allergies do not decrease, but, on the contrary, intensify, then you should stop using "Cromohexal" (eye drops).

Cromohexal eye drops are classified as antihistamines or, in other words, antiallergic agents and are used in the treatment of seasonal and chronic allergic conjunctivitis. How often you can use the drug, how it works and what precautions you should know - this is what our article is about.

Description and composition

The name "Cromohexal" comes from the main active ingredient cromoglycic acid and the HEXAL prefix, which the German company Hexal adds to all its preparations. Since 2005, the company has been acquired by Sandoz, so now the drug Cromohexal has a Swiss "registration".

The active ingredient is cromoglycic acid. This substance is used in pharmacy as an anti-allergic, anti-asthma agent. Its mechanism of action is still not well understood. However, since the substance is active in allergic asthma, sodium cromolyn is believed to stabilize mast cell membranes.

Mast cells are part of our immune system. They contain granules with histamine and heparin. Sodium cromoglycate, like other stabilizers of mast cell membranes, prevents the opening of calcium channels and the entry of calcium into the cell. Thanks to this process, the release of allergy mediators is inhibited: histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, chemotactic factors, etc. Stabilization is achieved due to the blockade of phosphodiesterase and the accumulation of cAMP in mast cells.

Interesting fact: cromoglycic acid is on the list of essential medicines of the Russian Federation.

Cromoglycic acid is responsible for a local decongestant effect, thereby eliminating the symptoms of eye irritation associated with contact with allergens. The maximum effect occurs 1-2 days after the start of therapy, therefore, for prophylactic purposes, use begins a few days before the flowering of plants that cause allergies.

A solution of 2% Cromohexal for eyes is transparent, from colorless to slightly yellowish, does not have any mechanical impurities. 1 ml contains 20 mg of active substance in the form of sodium cromoglycate salt.

Indications for use

The use of Cromohexal is indicated for the treatment and prevention of such diseases:

• Conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis of an allergic nature.
• Irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye due to a one-time allergic reaction (from the use of household chemicals, cosmetic products, eye drops, ointments).
• Dry eye syndrome.
• In case of eye irritation from chlorinated water, wind, dust, smoke.

Mode of application

Instructions for use of the drug in the form of eye drops give the following recommendations: for children over 4 years old and for adults, instill 1-2 drops with an interval of 4-6 hours into each conjunctival sac. The frequency of use is 4 times a day.

However, in case of an exacerbation of allergies or at the beginning of treatment, it is allowed to use drops up to 8 times a day. After the onset of the therapeutic effect, they return to 4-fold use.

In the future, if a stable good condition of the patient has been achieved, the drug can be used only upon contact with an allergen. The attending physician will tell you how long to use the drug.

Method of instillation into the eyes: the head is thrown back, the gaze is directed upward, the lower eyelid is slightly pulled back and the solution is instilled without touching the eye itself. After the procedure, the bottle is immediately closed. During the procedure, it is important to maintain sterility; it is not recommended to take the dropper tube with unwashed hands.

Eye drops can be instilled in both sitting and lying position

Contraindications

Cromohexal is prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to sodium cromoglycate or other components of the drug.

A relative contraindication is children under 5 years of age. Although in the ophthalmological field, the prescription of the drug to younger children is practiced, such prescriptions are only in the competence of the doctor.

Side effects

In general, the drug is well tolerated. In rare cases, there may be a burning sensation, the presence of a foreign body, a temporary loss of vision clarity. Sometimes there is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. All unpleasant effects disappear within 10 minutes. If side effects persist, you need to see a doctor.

special instructions

Cromohexal contains a preservative benzalkonium chloride, which is capable of changing the color of lenses, therefore, soft contact lenses cannot be used during treatment. If we are talking about rigid contact lenses, the patient must take them off before instillation and put on no earlier than 15 minutes after instillation.

If no improvement occurs within 24 hours after the start of use (signs of eye irritation, lacrimation do not decrease), stop using drops and consult a doctor for further guidance.

Immediately after instillation, temporary visual impairment is possible. This fact is especially important for persons driving a car or other mechanisms.

Pregnancy and lactation period

In the course of studies of the action of the drug, carried out on animals, there was no teratogenic effect (toxic effect on the fetus). However, clinical studies on pregnant women have not been conducted, therefore, the appointment of Cromohexal to this category of people is justified in cases where the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the baby. It is highly desirable to avoid the use of the drug in the first trimester.

Cromoglycic acid in very small doses penetrates into breast milk, for this reason it is undesirable to be treated with Cromohexal during the lactation period. However, allergy is such a disease that often, without adequate treatment, a woman simply cannot take care of a newborn. Most often, it is more advisable to start treatment than to painfully endure the swelling of the nose and endlessly scratching the eyes.

Storage and dispensing conditions, shelf life

Drops are dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription. The drug is usable for 3 years from the date of manufacture, provided that it is hermetically sealed. After the first opening, the bottle should be used within 6 weeks, after which the drug becomes unusable.

Storage of Cromohexal is carried out at room temperature, no more than 25 ºC, it is forbidden to put it in a refrigerator.

Analogs

Similar in composition will be drugs such as:

• Lekrolin.
• Cromoline.
• High Crom.
• Iifiral.
• Allergo Chest of drawers.
• Cromallerg.

Lekrolin drops, like most other antiallergic ophthalmic drugs, contain sodium cromoglycate - a component that combats allergies

To relieve the symptoms of allergic keratoconjunctivitis, drugs are prescribed that have antiallergic properties and the ability to stop the inflammatory process.

These qualities are possessed by the drug Cromohexal .

Compound

Eye drops are developed on the basis of sodium cromoglycate.

1 ml of the product contains 20 mg.

As components promoting the assimilation of the active substance, the following are used in production:

• benzalkonium chloride;
• disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate;
• sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate;
• sodium chloride;
• sorbitol (liquid, non-crystallized form);
• disodium edetate;
• injection water.

The medicine has no specific smell and mechanical impurities. The clear solution does not contain coloring agents.

Drops are packed in special droppers made of polyethylene. The container capacity is 10 ml, the concentration of the active substance of the solution is 2%.

Pharmacology

The ophthalmic agent has antiallergic and membrane stabilizing effect.

The active component of the composition prevents the penetration of calcium ions into mast cells.

This prevents their degranulation, promotes the release of a number of active substances:

• leukotrienes;
• prostaglandins;
• histamine;
• bradykinin, etc.

The result of treatment is noted after a few days or weeks from the beginning of the use of the drug.

Eye drops are often prescribed prophylactically to prevent allergic manifestations and the development of dry eye syndrome.

Price

You can buy Cromohexal in almost any pharmacy or by placing an order in an online store.

The price of one package starts from 90 rubles.

The dispensing conditions of the eye drops do not require a prescription.

Indications for use

An ophthalmic agent is used to eliminate symptoms in the following diseases:

• allergic type;
• caused by an allergen;
• irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, resulting from a negative reaction of the body to household chemicals, cosmetics, a pet, a plant, etc.

An ophthalmic preparation is allowed to be used with dry eyes and the presence of inflammatory processes.

Instructions for use

Eye drops are prescribed for adult patients and children from 2 years of age.

The scheme for using the agent, indicated in the annotation, involves the introduction of a solution into each eye, 1-2 drops. The number of procedures per day - 4 times, observing a break between instillations of 5-6 hours.

In some cases, the frequency of instillations increases up to 6-8 times. The duration of the course of treatment is also determined individually, most often it is 1-4 weeks.

With prolonged therapy, a gradual dose reduction is provided in the last week of treatment.

To achieve a high therapeutic treatment when performing the procedure, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Before using the product, hands are thoroughly washed, the surfaces of the bottle are disinfected.
• The solution is injected behind the lower eyelid from the outer corner of the eye. Do not direct the dropper tip into the inner corner.
• The lower eyelid is pulled back slightly with the index finger of one hand. You can also raise the upper eyelid so that the medicine can be distributed more quickly over the mucous membrane.
• When injecting the agent, you should avoid touching the tip of the dropper with the tissues of the eye.
• As soon as the solution reaches the conjunctival sac cavity, several turns and blinks should be made. So the drops will quickly disperse over the entire surface of the eye.
• If more agent than necessary gets into the eyes, it is enough to rinse the organ of vision with clean water.

Restrictions on use

Eye drops should not be used if the patient is allergic to one or more of the components of the composition.

• Exists age threshold allowing the drug to be used for therapy. Cromohexal is recommended from the age of two, but up to 5 years it is prescribed with caution.

• A similar approach and supervision by a doctor is required by patients who have been diagnosed with hepatic / renal failure.

Studies to study the effect of Cromohexal on the body pregnant or breastfeeding women were not carried out, there are data on animal testing.

Despite the fact that there are no negative results in the reports, the drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation.

It is allowed to use eye drops only on condition of temporary cessation of breastfeeding.

Side effects

When using Cromohexal, in rare cases, side effects are possible in the form of:

• slight burning sensation after the administration of the medicinal liquid;
• sensation of sand in the eyes;
• increased or dryness of the mucous membrane;
• swelling of the conjunctiva;
• partial loss of vision clarity;
• inflammation of the meibomian glands.

In most cases, the discomfort disappears spontaneously after 10-40 minutes.

Side signs that persist for 2 hours when there is an increase in symptoms should be alerted.

Reviews

Irina, 32 years old:

After using drops of Cromohexal, allergic manifestations only intensified, and a barking cough also appeared. I had to call an ambulance.

It turned out that some components of the drug are contraindicated for me. Since then, I have not been self-medicating, and the drops may be quite good, but they are not suitable for everyone.

Andrey, 26 years old:

My five-year-old son's eyes turn red during the flowering period and whitish clusters are observed in the corners.

After the first procedure, the redness disappeared from the proteins, the itching began to appear less. In total, the course lasted 5 days. The only drawback is the burning sensation of the medicine, felt immediately after the injection.

Julia, 24 years old:

The next morning I discovered a severely reddened eye. Swelling and increased tearing made me see a doctor. Cromohexal drops were prescribed for treatment.

Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which appeared after testing a new mascara, disappeared completely after 3 days of instillation with the recommended drug.

After that, I used the remedy for another 4 days to consolidate the effect.

Precautionary measures

After the introduction of drops, visual acuity disturbances, unpleasant sensations that create discomfort are possible.

Therefore, you should not start work that requires the speed of the psychomotor reaction, as well as driving a vehicle until visual function is fully restored.

Those people who use made of soft material are recommended to switch to wearing for the period of treatment.

The owners of rigid optics must adhere to the following rules when carrying out the procedure:

• before the start of instillation, the lenses are removed from the eyes and placed in a special case;
• it is allowed to put on the optics again 15-20 minutes after the administration of the drug.

Often, a patient needs complex treatment.

Cromohexal should not be used in combination with Ambroxol, Bromhexin. It is also important to consider that cromoglycic acid enhances the pharmacological properties of H1-histamine blockers.

When prescribing several types of eye drops, it is recommended to observe the interval between injections of solutions (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Otherwise, complications or a decrease in the therapeutic effect are possible.

Storage rules

When buying eye drops, the shelf life should be checked; it should coincide with the period of therapy.

After opening, the solution retains its properties for 1.5 months. The medicine unused during this time becomes unusable.

The shelf life of the product is 3 years from the date of exit from production.

It is better to store the bottle in a closet so that the sun's rays do not fall on the drug.

Benefits of Cromohexal eye drops

One of the main advantages of the drug is the properties of the active ingredient.

He not hormonal , which reduces the risk of developing serious complications and side effects.

With the systemic administration of the drug, the membranes of immune cells are stabilized, which normalizes the biochemical processes in the organ of vision.

Sodium cromoglycate is practically not absorbed, it enters the body no more than 1% of the substance from the dose taken.

Almost half of this amount is excreted in the urine on the first day. The rest comes out unchanged. This testifies to the complete safety of the chemical compound for the patient's health.

Analogs

If for some reason it is not possible to use Cromohexal, then you should contact an ophthalmologist to select an analogue.

Of the total number of substitutes, the following have the most similar pharmacological properties:

It is not worth choosing a medicine on your own, because we are talking about eye health.

Video

In ophthalmic practice, a drug such as Cromohexal is successfully used. It is used in the form of eye drops to treat various allergic diseases. It is also ideal for eye irritation, fatigue or increased eye strain.

Pharmacology

The active substance in Cromohexal is cromoglycic acid. The concentration of the active substance in drops is 2%.

Pharmacodynamics

The drug has antiallergic effect. When it affects the body, the flow of calcium ions through the mast cell membrane is blocked. Due to this, mediators that cause an allergic reaction are not released:

• bradykinin;
• leukotrienes;
• prostaglandins;
• histamine.

Cromohexal does not have an instant effect. To obtain a clinical effect, at least several days of admission are required. Therefore, its use as a prophylactic drug is more significant.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption of the drug through the mucous membrane of the eye practically does not occur. Therefore, these indicators have no clinical significance. The substance is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The half-life is insignificant - up to 10 minutes.

Indications

Cromohexal drops are used for the prevention and treatment of the following pathologies:

• allergic conjunctivitis;
• keratoconjunctivitis;
• eye irritation due to external factors;

Side effects and contraindications

The undesirable effect of the drug is extremely rare. May manifest itself as increased swelling or irritation. There may also be a slight blurred vision, the appearance of discomfort. Such symptoms disappear after a short period of time and do not require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the drug.

In rare cases, minor corneal lesions may occur. Inflammations such as barley or meibomitis - inflammation of the eyelid glands - are also rare.

Due to its low absorption, Cromohexal is a fairly safe drug. Nevertheless, it has contraindications:

• previously identified allergic reactions to the active substance or components of the drug;
• age up to two years.

Special instructions and interactions

There is not enough research on how Cromohexal can affect the fetus during pregnancy. And, although no negative effects have been found, it should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. This is especially true for the first trimester.

It has been found that Cromohexal passes into breast milk in small amounts. Therefore, if there is a question about the use of the drug during breastfeeding, the doctor must take into account the benefit-risk ratio for the mother and the child.

Long-term use of the drug requires monitoring of renal function in patients with renal failure.

The use of Cromohexal eye drops in conjunction with glucocorticoids allows you to reduce the dosage of the latter.

Dosages and overdose

Cromohexal is intended to be placed in the conjunctival sac. Doses do not depend on the patient's age. The terms of treatment are determined by the doctor.

There is no clinical data that would describe an overdose of Cromohexal drops.

Video - How to instill eye drops

Precautionary measures

After using Cromohexal, you should take a fifteen-minute break before putting on soft or hard lenses. If possible, take a break from wearing your lenses. This is due to the presence of benzalkonium chloride in the droplets.

Close the bottle tightly after each use. At the time of instillation, do not touch the nose of the bottle to the mucous membranes of the eye or eyelashes.

After opening the bottle, the drops can be used for no longer than 6 weeks. Further use can cause microbial contamination.

Drivers and workers, whose occupation is connected with complex mechanisms, should be careful when using Cromohexal. They should take into account that drops can affect the quality of vision within a few minutes after installation.

Active substance

Sodium cromoglicate (cromoglicic acid)

Release form, composition and packaging

◊ Eye drops 2% in the form of a transparent, colorless to slightly yellowish solution without mechanical impurities.

Metabolism and excretion

Not metabolized. It is excreted by the kidneys and through the intestines unchanged (in approximately equal amounts within 24 hours after application). T 1/2 - 5-10 minutes.

Indications

Prevention and treatment:

- allergic keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis;

- irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes caused by allergic reactions (environmental factors, occupational hazards, household chemicals, cosmetics, ophthalmic dosage forms, plants and pets).

Contraindications

- children under 2 years old;

- hypersensitivity to sodium cromoglycate or to any other component of the drug.

WITH caution the drug should be used in children under 4 years of age, during and during lactation.

Dosage

Adults and children over the age of 2 instill 1-2 drops into each conjunctival sac 4 times / day with an interval of 4-6 hours. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 6-8 instillations.

After reaching the therapeutic effect, the frequency of application of the drug can be reduced and used only in contact with allergens (house dust, fungal spores, pollen).

Side effects

On the part of the organ of vision: impaired clarity of visual perception, burning in the eye, conjunctival edema, sensation, dry eyes, lacrimation, meibomitis (barley); superficial damage to the corneal epithelium.

Overdose

There are no data on drug overdose.

Drug interactions

So far, no interactions with other drugs have been identified.

special instructions

The use of the drug Cromohexal reduces the need for the use of ophthalmic drugs containing glucocorticoids.

When using drops of Cromohexal, due to the content of benzalkonium chloride, you should avoid wearing soft contact lenses; hard contact lenses must be removed 15 minutes before instillation and put on after 15 minutes.

The bottle must be closed after each use. Do not touch the eye with the pipette tip.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and use mechanisms

During the period of treatment, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Pregnancy and lactation

The drug Cromohexal should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Childhood use

Contraindicated in children under 2 years of age, with caution in children under 4 years of age.

Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies

The drug is approved for use as a means of OTC.

Storage conditions and periods

The drug should be stored in a dark place, out of the reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. Shelf life is 3 years.

Opened vials should be used within 6 weeks.