Anti-allergy agents
There are two main anti-allergy agents – sodium cromoglicate (also referred to as cromolyn and cromoglycate) and nedocromil sodium, both of which are usually very effective and have a good safety record. Sodium cromoglicate comes in the form of nasal spray or eye drops, whereas nedocromil sodium is available as eye drops only. Both work locally to stop the allergen from stimulating an allergic reaction.
Before using any anti-allergy medication, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and ask for advice. Because the benefits to a pregnant woman with severe hay fever are likely to exceed the slight risk to the unborn child, anti-allergy agents are recommended when absolutely necessary. Your doctor will be able to offer you individual advice.
Although it is not known whether either sodium cromoglicate or nedocromil sodium passes into breast milk, experts anticipate no problems for the child. Even so, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before using this medication during breastfeeding.
Sodium cromoglicate
This agent is capable of halting the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals from the mast cells. It is therefore also classified as an anti-inflammatory drug. Exactly how it manages to stop the release of histamine is not as yet fully understood, but it somehow stabilizes the mast cells so they don’t react by releasing their chemicals. Medications containing sodium cromoglicate are fairly short-acting so generally require up to four applications in a day. For the very best results, they need to be used approximately two weeks in advance of symptoms appearing, but if symptoms are already in evidence anti-allergy agents can prevent them from getting any worse and still provide a lot of relief.
Although anti-allergy agents are often less effective than nasal corticosteroids, they are generally the medication of choice for young children.
Sodium cromoglicate nasal spray
This anti-allergy nasal spray is very good for relieving symptoms related to the nose, such as sneezing, excessive production of mucus, itching and nasal congestion. The sodium cromoglicate nasal sprays available include Rynacrom, Nasalcrom or Resiston 1. It’s important to note that this type of nasal spray should be used for only four weeks after first opening the container. After that it should be thrown away or returned to your chemist. It may be helpful to write the date of opening on the box. If you are aware of an allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Although there have been no reports of birth defects in a newborn, or side effects in a nursing infant, this type of nasal spray should be used with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend this treatment and carefully monitor your progress.
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops
These anti-allergy eye drops are usually very good for easing sore, watery eyes and other eye symptoms related to hay fever. Eye symptoms are actually referred to as allergic conjunctivitis, or even ‘hay fever eyes’. The drops are available under the brand names of Optrex Allergy, Opticrom, Clariteyes, Hay-crom or Crolom, and are most effective when used regularly, even when symptoms are slight or have temporarily disappeared.
Nedocromil sodium eye drops
Nedocromil sodium is a newer type of anti-allergy agent, available on prescription in the form of eye drops under the brand name of Rapitil. Start using the drops approximately two weeks before the onset of symptoms, applying twice daily for maximum relief.
As with sodium cromoglicate medications, there have been no reports of birth defects in a newborn, or side effects in a nursing infant while the mother was using nedocromil sodium eye drops. However, caution should still be employed as with any medication.