Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops)

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Sodium cromoglicate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Sodium cromoglicate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

and 13 more with the same active substance, strength and form

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops contain a medicine called sodium cromoglicate. This belongs to a group of medicines called anti-allergics. it works by stopping the release of the natural substances in your eyes that can lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include itchy, watery, red or inflamed eyes and puffy eyelids. Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops is used for the prevention and treatment of eye allergies.

'Agiou Louka str. 19002 Paiania Attiki Greece This leaflet was last revised in March 2017.

These allergies can happen:

'° At any time of the year and is called 'perennial allergic conjunctivitis' e In different seasons of the year caused by different pollens. This is called 'seasonal ! allergic conjunctivitis' or hay fever

What you need to know before you take it

E OPTREX ALLERGY 2% W/V EYE , DROPS

Do not use Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops 'e if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to sodium cromoglicate or any of the other ingredients ' of Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops (listed in Section 6: Contents of the pack and other

| information) ' Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling ' of your lips, face, throat, tongue and worsening of redness, itching or swelling of the eye

'_ or eyelid.

Do not use this medicine if the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using these eye drops.

Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you wear soft contact fenses. You should not wear contact lenses while using these drops. if you are not sure if the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before

using this medicine. Other medicines and Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any

other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines You may have blurred eyesight straight after using this medicine. if this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines until you can see clearly.

Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops contains benzalkonium chloride

550mm

This medicine contains benzalkonium chloride. This may cause your eyes to become irritated and may change the colour of your contact lenses. Avoid contact with soft contact Jenses. Remove contact lenses prior to application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. 8, HOW TO USE OPTREX ALLERGY 2% W/V EYE DROPS Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

How to take it

this medicine

/ / ''e Wash your hands 'e Before using the medication for the first time, be sure that the tamper-proof seal on the ' bottle neck is unbroken. A gap between the bottle and the cap is normal for an unopened ' bottle. ° Remove the cap from the bottle. Tilt your head back 'e Squeeze one or two drops inside the lower lid without touching your eye

'© Close your eye e Wipe away any excess liquid from the eyes with a clean tissue 'e Always put the cap back on the bottle as soon as you have used it

© Repeat in the other eye if needed

How much to use

© One or two drops in each eye four times a day, or as directed by your doctor. ° If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use more Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops than you should Contact your doctor if you use the eye drops more frequently than the recommended dose, or continuously for more than three months.

if you forget to use Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops if you forget a dose, use your drops as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

if you stop using Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops You should keep using these drops if you are still around the things that you are allergic to. if you stop using this medicine your allergy symptoms may come back. if you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop using this medicine and see a doctor as soon as possible if: '¢ The itching, redness or swelling gets worse. You may be allergic to these drops. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the side effects gets serious or lasts Jonger than a few days, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet: 'e Stinging or burning in your eyes or blurring of eyesight. This should only last for a short | time and occurs immediately after using the eye drops.

'e Mild eye irritation.

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Nellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects youcan help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

OPTREX ALLERGY 2% W/V EYE DROPS Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions before opening the bottle and after opening the bottle 'do not store above 25°C'. Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops are sterile when you buy them, so you must not keep them for more than four weeks after opening the bottle. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

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Frequently asked questions about Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops)

How do I take Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops)?

Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops) comes as eye drops. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops)?

The active substance in Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops) is sodium cromoglicate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops)?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Allercrom 2% w/v Eye Drops, Allergy Relief 2% w/v eye drops, Solution, Aspire Hayfever Relief 2% w/v Eye Drops, solution. In total there are 18 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops) without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Sodium cromoglicate (21 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the relief and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Topical ophthalmic administration

One or two drops in each eye four times a day or as indicated by the doctor.

Older people

There is no evidence to suggest that dosage alteration is required for elderly patients.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Discard any remaining contents four weeks after opening the bottle.

Sodium cromoglicate eye drops contains benzalkonium chloride.

As with other ophthalmic solutions containing benzalkonium chloride, soft contact lenses should not be worn during the treatment period.

Sodium cromoglicate can be used prophylactically. Patients should seek advice before they discontinue use of the product.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

None known.

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy:

As with all medication, caution should be exercised especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Cumulative experience with sodium cromoglicate suggests that it has no adverse effects on fetal development. It should be used in pregnancy only where there is a clear need.

Lactation:

It is not known whether sodium cromoglicate is excreted in human breast milk but, on the basis of its physicochemical properties, this is considered unlikely. There is no information to suggest the use of sodium cromoglicate has any undesirable effects on the baby.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

As with all eye drops, instillation of these eye drops may cause a transient blurring of vision. Patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery if affected, until their vision returns to normal.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Eye disorders

Transient stinging and burning may occur after instillation. Other symptoms of local irritation have been reported rarely.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/ risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

4.9. Overdose

No action other than medical observation should be necessary.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Optrex Allergy 2% w/v Eye Drops, Solution (eye drops). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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