Ivycrom

Active Ingredient & Mechanism of Action

• Active Ingredient: Sodium Cromoglycate (2% w/v) (also known as Cromolyn Sodium).
• Mechanism: Sodium Cromoglycate is a mast cell stabilizer.
  • When exposed to allergens (like pollen or dust), mast cells in the eye rupture and release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause itching and swelling.
  • Sodium Cromoglycate blocks this process, stabilizing the mast cell membrane to prevent the initial release of histamine.

Key Indications

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Seasonal (hay fever) or perennial (year-round) eye allergies resulting in red, itchy, watery, or inflamed eyes.
• Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC): A more severe, recurrent allergic eye condition common in children and young adults.

Dosage & Administration Guidelines

• Standard Dosing: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye(s) 4 times daily (or as prescribed by a physician).
• Prophylactic Use (Best Practice): Because mast cell stabilizers work by preventing histamine release rather than blocking histamine that is already present, Ivycrom works best when started a few days before expected allergen exposure (e.g., before hay fever season) and used continuously.
• Application Technique:
  1. Wash hands thoroughly.
  2. Tilt head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and squeeze 1 drop inside without letting the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelid, or fingers.
  3. Close the eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes.

Important Precautions & Safety Warnings

• Contact Lenses: Remove soft contact lenses before applying Ivycrom. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses, as the preservatives in the drops can absorb into soft lenses and cause eye irritation.
• 28-Day Discard Rule: Discard the bottle 4 weeks (28 days) after first opening, as unsterilized air entering the bottle can lead to bacterial growth.
• Side Effects: Generally very well tolerated. Minor side effects may include transient stinging, mild burning, or temporary blurred vision immediately after instillation.