Cromolyn Sodium



Crolom®; Gastrocrom®; Intal®; NasalCrom®[OTC]; Opticrom®







Cromolyn Sodium

(KROE moe lin SOW dee um)

U.S. Brand Names
Crolom®; Gastrocrom®; Intal®; NasalCrom®[OTC]; Opticrom®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Cromolyn®; Intal®; Nalcrom®; Nu-Cromolyn; Opticrom®
Pharmacologic Category
Mast Cell Stabilizer
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to cromolyn sodium or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent allergies.
  • This medicine is used to prevent asthma.
  • This medicine is used to prevent eye inflammation.
  • This medicine is used to prevent nasal congestion.
  • This medicine is used to treat food allergies.
  • This medicine is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.
  • This medicine is used to treat mastocytosis.
How does it work?
  • Cromolyn blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Continue to take this medicine to prevent the allergy. Once the symptoms start, this medicine will not help.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
  • Do not swallow capsule. Open it and empty powder into a glass of hot water. Add a glass of cold water. Mix and drink.
  • Oral inhalation:
  • For inhaling (puffing) only.
  • Shake inhaler well before use.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • If exercise causes symptoms, use immediately before activity.
  • There is also a solution for use in a nebulizer. Healthcare provider will teach you how to use this.
  • Nasal:
  • For the nose only.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Blow your nose before use.
  • Eye:
  • For the eye only.
  • Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not use a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is not helpful in urgent situations.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • Belly pain.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
  • Oral inhalation:
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Sore throat.
  • Nasal:
  • Nasal irritation.
  • Eye:
  • Eye irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Severe eye irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: