Almus Hayfever Eye Drops 2% – 10ml

Sodium cromoglicate and antihistamine eye drops work at different points in the allergic response. Antihistamine eye drops (such as those containing azelastine or antazoline) block histamine receptors after histamine has already been released, providing relatively rapid relief once symptoms are present. Sodium cromoglicate prevents mast cells from releasing histamine in the first place, stopping the allergic cascade before symptoms develop. This means cromoglicate works best as a preventative treatment used consistently throughout the season, while antihistamine drops may provide faster on-demand relief. For maximum season-long eye symptom control, cromoglicate used consistently from before the season begins often provides better overall protection.

Sodium cromoglicate does not provide the same immediate relief as antihistamine eye drops. Its mechanism requires consistent use to build up effective mast cell stabilisation across the conjunctival surface. Most people begin to notice improved symptom control within a few days of starting regular four-times-daily use. For the best results, begin using the drops two to three days before your hayfever season typically starts, and continue throughout the season even on relatively symptom-free days to maintain continuous protection.

You can use these drops as a contact lens wearer, but you must remove your soft (hydrophilic) lenses before instilling the drops and not reinsert them for at least 15 minutes. The preservative benzalkonium chloride in these drops is absorbed by soft lens material and can cause lens discolouration and eye irritation if lenses are worn during use. Hard (rigid gas-permeable) lenses are generally more resistant, but removing them before use is still advisable as a precaution. If you wear contact lenses and have hayfever eye symptoms, speak to your optometrist about lens type and allergy management, as some lens materials and replacement schedules are more suitable during the allergy season than others.

Yes, and this is often the recommended approach for more comprehensive hayfever control. Oral antihistamines like cetirizine or fexofenadine address the systemic histamine-mediated symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, and systemic itching — while sodium cromoglicate eye drops provide direct, targeted protection for the eyes. Using both together during the hayfever season often provides substantially better overall symptom control than either treatment alone. Speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist about combining treatments effectively for your specific symptom profile.

Almus Hayfever Eye Drops 2% require pharmacist supervision at the point of purchase because eye symptoms can have multiple causes, and it is important that someone experiencing eye symptoms receives appropriate assessment to confirm that allergic conjunctivitis, rather than an infectious or other condition requiring different treatment, is the correct diagnosis. A pharmacist can also advise on correct use, the importance of consistent dosing, the contact lens precaution regarding benzalkonium chloride, and when referral to a GP or optometrist would be appropriate.

Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening, even if product remains. Write the date of opening on the bottle label when you first use it. Using eye drops beyond 28 days after opening risks microbial contamination and potential eye infection, even with the benzalkonium chloride preservative. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer packaging.

If you have been using the drops consistently four times daily and are not noticing improvement after one to two weeks, speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP. Your symptoms may need reassessment — in some cases, eye symptoms that appear to be allergic may have a different underlying cause, such as an infection or another condition, requiring different treatment. Alternatively, an antihistamine eye drop used alongside the cromoglicate may provide better combined relief. Your pharmacist or optometrist can help to guide the most appropriate next step.