What is sodium cromoglicate and how does it work?
Sodium cromoglicate is a medicine used to treat allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, and food allergies, and it comes in forms like eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers, or capsules. It works by stabilising mast cells, which are immune cells that release chemicals causing allergy symptoms when triggered by things like pollen or pet fur. This action stops those chemicals from being released, reducing inflammation and symptoms like itchy eyes or runny nose.
Key points:
- Stabilises mast cells to prevent release of allergy-causing chemicals.
- Commonly used as eye drops for itchy, red eyes from hay fever.
- Also available as nasal spray, inhaler, or capsules for other allergies.
- Poorly absorbed by the body, making it safe for local use.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.