Early use of Eye Drop Could Provide Relief for Hay Fever Sufferers

News provided by

Moorfields Pharmaceuticals

25 Mar, 2014, 06:00 GMT

LONDON, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

 

It's almost that time of the year again - HAYFEVER SEASON. Did you know there's an eye drops product called CATACROM® that may relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis that are common in hayfever such as redness, watering, itching and puffiness? They are available over the counter from a pharmacy or you can get them prescribed by your GP. Sufferers will typically wait until their symptoms are presenting before seeking treatment and medical advice. CATACROM® contains the active ingredient sodium cromoglicate 2.0% which has shown to be effective not only in treating allergic conjunctivitis but also in preventing it. That's why it's important to start using the drops before hayfever begins; once the season is in full swing your symptoms may be alleviated.

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CATACROM® works by stabilising the cells in the eye called 'mast cells' which in turn prevents chemical substances being released and causing the symptoms of allergic reactions. By doing this, the drops in effect help the eye to build up a resistance to allergens so that by the time hayfever or allergic conjunctivitis is a problem; the symptoms  may be greatly reduced.  

CATACROM® is a single-dose eye drop indicated for the relief and treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. CATACROM® is also preservative-free which is particularly important for anyone who is prone to allergies, as some preservatives may cause additional irritation to the eyes.

CATACROM® can be obtained from pharmacists or you can ask your GP to prescribe it. If you are unsure whether or not you have an allergy, always seek medical advice. Always read the label before use.

CATACROM®  PRODUCT INFORMATION      

    - Pack Size:         30 x 0.3ml
    - Legal Category:    P
    - Basic NHS Price:   GBP 8.99
    - Pip Code:          353-7289

ABOUT ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS 

  • Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itching, burning, watering, redness of the eye and puffiness of the eye lids.
  • Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes at the same time.
  • The most important advice for limiting allergic conjunctivitis is to try to keep away from whatever is causing the allergy.
  • Keeping doors and windows closed normally helps. A cold compress may also help to relieve sore eyes.Anti-allergy eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate can help to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Use of preservative-free eye drops may be particularly beneficial, as this limits any potential for additional irritation to the eyes caused by preservatives.

REFERENCES 

Jison Hong and Leonard Bielory, Allergy to ophthalmic preservatives. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2009, 9:447-453.doi.org/10.1097/ACI.0b013e3283306990

Liu YL, Hu FR, Wang IJ, Chen WL, Hou YC, A double-masked study to compare the efficacy and safety of topical cromolyn for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. J Formos Med Assoc. 2011 Nov;110(11):690-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2011.09.004. Epub 2011 Oct 22.

Kari O and Saari KM, Updates in the treatment of ocular allergies, J Asthma Allergy. 2010 Nov 24;3:149-58. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S13705.

PR CONTACT: Lyn Cruickshank on +44-(208)-995-5354 or lyn@wallacehcl.com