ALOCRIL
(Nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution 2%)

Alocril is a new product by Allergan. It is very effective against allergic conjunctivitis, and it is classified as a mast cell stabilizer. ¨ Mast cell stabilizers can virtually eliminate the outbreak of allergic reactions.

The drug works by inhibiting the degranulation of mast cells, which prevents histamine release as well as other allergy mediators. ¨ This medication is completely safe to use chronically for weeks and months without inducing any side effects.

Alocril is also slightly yellow in color, so you should explain this to your patient so they don’t think the medication has “gone bad.” You should tell your patients to use this regularly through out their worst season for allergies.

You can also use this drug for GPC (giant papillary conjunctivitis), and the drops may be instilled when your patient is wearing his/her contact lenses (disposable and RGPs). Some points about allergic conjunctivitis:

If acute then first line of treatment would be a steroid. Then once the mast cell membranes are stabilized then it is optimal to start them on mast cell stabilizers, such as Alocril, and the patient can use this for prevention of further attacks.

Another GREAT treatment for any allergic response in the eye is cool compresses. Sometimes this is more effective than drugs. ¨ The hallmark symptom of ocular allergy is itching, burning eyes. But sometimes the patient may just say burning eyes, so you want to be aware of that.

This product is very new, so there is not much information available about it, however, on Allergan’s website the link to Alocril is soon to come. www.alocril.com