Common side effects
There are some common side effects caused by sodium cromoglicate eye drops, but there are things you can do to help cope with them:
Stinging, burning or blurred eyesight
This may happen straight after using the eye drops and only lasts for a short time. Do not rub your eye as this can make things worse. Wet a flannel with cool water and hold it over your eye for a few minutes to ease the symptoms.
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines until you can see properly again.
If the stinging lasts a long time, or is severe, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to sodium cromoglicate eye drops.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of sodium cromoglicate eye drops. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.