Pharmacotherapeutic group: ophthalmologicals, other antiallergics, ATC code: S01GX01.
Disodium cromoglicate stabilises mast cell membranes, thereby preventing their degranulation and the release of mediators of allergic and inflammatory reactions following contact with antigen. Through this mechanism, cromolyn prevents both the release of preformed mediators (e.g. histamine, kinins), which mediate immediate type I allergic reactions, and of mediators synthesised only after challenge (prostaglandins, leukotrienes), which mediate delayed type IV reactions.
Cromoglicate also inhibits the activation of calcium channels. It blocks the calcium channel coupled to the IgE receptor, thereby preventing the influx of calcium into the cell following IgE binding. By this mechanism as well, it inhibits mast cell degranulation and the release of histamine.
⚠️ Warnings
During treatment — and during allergic conjunctivitis in general — the patient should not wear contact lenses. If, in exceptional circumstances, the physician nevertheless permits their use, the patient must remove the lenses prior to instillation of the product; they may be reinserted no earlier than 15 minutes after instillation.
