AUROCROME EYE DROPS

Indications

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Systemic mastocytosis
• Ulcerative colitis

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing guidelines.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information according to the condition being treated.

Mechanism of action

Cromoglicate inhibits degranulation of mast cells, preventing the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), which are mediators of type I allergic reactions. It may also reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes and acts by inhibiting calcium influx within mast cells. The drug suppresses the activation effects of chemoattractant peptides on human leukocytes, thereby reducing the accumulation of intracellular calcium induced by antigens in sensitized mast cells.

Pharmacodynamics

Cromoglicate inhibits antigen-induced bronchospasms and is effective in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis. It shows efficacy in preventing the symptoms of allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells and reducing inflammatory responses.

Pharmacokinetics

Cromoglicate is poorly absorbed when taken orally, with systemic effects being minimal. It is primarily used in inhaled or ophthalmic formulations, where local action is desired. Its pharmacokinetic profile suggests a rapid onset of action upon administration, but the duration of effect is relatively short, necessitating multiple doses throughout the day for optimal efficacy.

Adverse effects

• Cough
• Nasal irritation
• Throat irritation
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to cromolyn or any of its components.
• Patients with severe asthma may require additional therapy.
• Monitor patients for any signs of worsening respiratory conditions.

Pregnancy

Cromoglicate should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, as safety in human pregnancy has not been established.

Breast-feeding

Cromoglicate is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but caution is advised.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Ophthalmic solution
• Oral solution
• Inhalation aerosol

Mechanism of action

Cromoglicate inhibits degranulation of mast cells, subsequently preventing the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), mediators of type I allergic reactions. Cromoglicate also may reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes. Cromoglicate may act by inhibiting calcium influx. One important action of cromolyn is believed to be the inhibition of pulmonary mast cell degranulation in response to a variety of stimuli, including the interaction between cell-bound IgE and specific antigen. ... The release of histamine and other granular contents, as well as the production of leukotrienes, can be shown to be markedly reduced in vitro by cromolyn. However, its efficacy and potency are highly dependent on the source of the mast cells. ... Attention has been focused on the ability of cromolyn to reverse various functional changes in leukocytes obtained from the blood of asthmatic subjects undergoing allergen challenge, such as increased expression of membrane-bound receptors. ... Low concentrations (100 nM) of cromolyn can suppress completely the activation effects of chemoattractant peptides of human neutrophils, eosinophils, or monocytes. The mechanisms of action of cromolyn remain relatively poorly defined. Most attention has been focused on the ability of cromolyn to reduce the accumulation of intracellular Ca +2 induced by antigen in sensitized mast cells. One biochemical correlate of the reduction of histamine release from mast cells by cromolyn is the enhanced phosphorylation of a 78,000-dalton protein. Unfortunately, these observations have been made using rather high concn of cromolyn (50 to 200 uM), and their relationship to therapeutic response has yet to be established. For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for CROMOLYN (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Pharmacodynamics

Cromoglicate or cromolyn (USAN), a synthetic compound, inhibits antigen-induced bronchospasms and, hence, is used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Cromoglicate is used as an ophthalmic solution to treat conjunctivitis and is taken orally to treat systemic mastocytosis and ulcerative colitis.