At a Glance
Alocril (nedocromil ophthalmic solution 2%) is approved to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 3 years of age and older.
This is a brand drug with no generic or biosimilar.
Active ingredient: Nedocromil Sodium.
Administration route: Ophthalmic.
The usual dose of Alocril for allergic conjunctivitis is one to two drops in each affected eye twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider.
How It Works
- Alocril is a mast cell stabilizer, which means it helps stop certain cells in the eye from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
- By blocking this release, it reduces eye itching, redness, and discomfort triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- It helps prevent symptoms but does not give instant relief like some other allergy eye drops, so it may take several days of regular use to feel full benefits.
Treatment and Efficacy
Approved indications
Alocril is FDA-approved for the prevention of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 3 years and older.
Off-label uses
Clinicians may occasionally use nedocromil ophthalmic for related allergic eye conditions where mast cell stabilizers are helpful, but other agents (such as olopatadine, ketotifen, or cromolyn) are more commonly chosen; evidence for off-label uses is limited compared with newer dual-acting antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer drops.
Efficacy expectations
Relief from eye itching typically begins within a few days of regular twice-daily use, with maximal benefit often seen after 1 to 2 weeks. Many patients experience meaningful reduction in itching and discomfort, especially when used consistently during allergy season. Compared with newer antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer combinations, Alocril is effective for prevention but may have a slower onset of symptom relief and may be less convenient than once-daily options.
Dosage and Administration
Typical dosing and administration
For adults and children 3 years and older with allergic conjunctivitis, the usual dose is 1 to 2 drops of Alocril in each affected eye twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. Wash hands before use, tilt the head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops without touching the dropper tip to the eye or skin. If using other eye drops, separate them by at least 5 minutes, using gels or ointments last.
Special instructions
Remove soft contact lenses before instilling the drops and wait at least 10–15 minutes before reinserting, as preservatives in the solution may be absorbed by lenses. Use the medication regularly for the full allergy season or as prescribed, even when symptoms are mild, because it works best as a preventive treatment rather than for immediate relief.
Missed dose guidance
If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose; if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one and resume the regular schedule without doubling up.
Overdose
An accidental extra drop in the eye is unlikely to cause serious problems, but if a large amount is accidentally swallowed or if there are unexpected symptoms such as severe eye irritation, vision changes, or systemic illness, seek medical advice or contact poison control.
Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects
Common effects include transient burning or stinging in the eye right after the drops are applied, eye discomfort, a strange or unpleasant taste in the mouth, and occasionally dry or watery eyes. These effects are usually mild to moderate and short-lived, occurring in a minority of patients.
Serious or rare adverse effects
Serious allergic reactions to Alocril are rare but may present as severe eye redness, swelling of the eyelids, rash, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint; these require immediate medical attention. Very rare problems such as severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or signs of eye infection (pus, marked light sensitivity) should also be evaluated urgently.
Warnings and precautions
Use with caution in people who have had prior allergic reactions to nedocromil or similar drugs; it should not be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to any component of the product. There are limited data in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so risks and benefits should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use. It is generally considered safe in children 3 years and older at recommended doses; safety in younger children has not been established. Because the medication is applied to the eye and has minimal systemic absorption, kidney and liver disease usually do not require dose adjustments, but any unusual symptoms should be reported.
Comparative safety
Compared with many systemic allergy medications, Alocril has low rates of systemic side effects because very little drug enters the bloodstream. Its local tolerability is generally good and similar to other older mast cell stabilizer eye drops, though some newer agents may cause slightly less burning or stinging on instillation.
Side-effect reporting and safety updates
Patients can report side effects to the FDA MedWatch program and may check FDA and manufacturer communications for any updated safety information about nedocromil ophthalmic products.
Interactions and Precautions
Drug and product interactions
Because Alocril is used in the eye and has minimal systemic absorption, significant interactions with oral prescription or over-the-counter medicines, supplements, foods, or alcohol are unlikely. When multiple ophthalmic products are used, they should be spaced several minutes apart to avoid washing one another out, and ointments or gels should be applied after solutions.
Precautions and conditions requiring care
People with known allergy to nedocromil or any component of the formulation should not use Alocril. Use with caution in patients with active eye infections or significant eye surface disease; sometimes treatment of the infection is needed before continued use of allergy drops. Contact-lens wearers should remove lenses before use and wait before reinserting to avoid lens discoloration or irritation from preservatives.
Monitoring needs
No routine blood tests or systemic monitoring are typically required with Alocril. Patients should have periodic eye examinations if symptoms persist, worsen, or change, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other eye conditions. Any unexpected or severe reaction should prompt evaluation by an eye care specialist.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long does it take for Alocril to start working?
A: Some people notice less itching within a few days, but the full preventive effect usually develops over 1 to 2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
Q: Can I use Alocril with my contact lenses?
A: Yes, but remove soft contact lenses before putting in the drops and wait at least 10–15 minutes after using Alocril before reinserting your lenses.
Q: Is Alocril safe for children?
A: Alocril is approved for use in children 3 years of age and older at the usual dosing, but a pediatrician or eye doctor should confirm that it is appropriate for your child.
Q: Can I use Alocril only when my eyes are itchy?
A: It works best when used regularly to prevent symptoms throughout your allergy season rather than only when itching flares, though your doctor may tailor the schedule to your needs.
Q: What should I do if my symptoms do not improve with Alocril?
A: If your eye symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by pain, vision changes, or discharge, contact your eye care provider to reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative or additional treatments.
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Disposal Guidance
Storage
Store Alocril at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture, and keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use; do not freeze the solution.
Handling
Keep the dropper tip clean, avoid touching it to the eye, fingers, or any surface, and replace the cap promptly after each use.
Disposal
Do not use the drops after the expiration date or if the solution becomes cloudy, discolored, or contains particles; discard leftover or expired medication in household trash out of reach of children and pets, or follow local pharmacy or community guidance for medicine take-back programs.