cromolyn sodium (oral)

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Pronunciation: KRO moe lin SOE dee um

Brand: Gastrocrom

What is the most important information I should know about cromolyn sodium?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is cromolyn sodium?

Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium is used to treat the symptoms of a condition called mastocytosis, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, itchy skin, and flushing (warmth or redness under the skin).

Cromolyn sodium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cromolyn sodium?

You should not use cromolyn sodium if you are allergic to it.

To make sure cromolyn sodium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease; or
  • liver disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cromolyn sodium is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I take cromolyn sodium?

Cromolyn sodium is usually taken 4 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Break open the cromolyn sodium ampule and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use.

Take this medicine 30 minutes before each meal, and at bedtime.

Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use cromolyn sodium if it looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking cromolyn sodium?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of cromolyn sodium?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
  • swelling of your tongue;
  • trouble swallowing; or
  • tight feeling in the chest.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, feeling irritable;
  • nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
  • rash, itching; or
  • muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cromolyn sodium?

Other drugs may interact with cromolyn sodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cromolyn sodium.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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