Cromolyn Sodium

About Cromolyn Sodium

Cromolyn inhibits the release of histamine and leukotrienes from mast cells, so it is used regularly to prevent symptoms rather than to treat them once they start. Gastrocrom oral concentrate is labeled for mastocytosis, where it has improved diarrhea, flushing, headaches, vomiting, hives, abdominal pain, nausea and itching in some patients; very little is absorbed from the gut. Adults and children 13 and older take two 100 mg ampules four times a day, and children 2 to 12 one ampule, half an hour before meals and at bedtime; it is not recommended under age 2. If symptoms are not controlled in two to three weeks the dose may be raised, up to 40 mg per kg a day. The nebulizer solution is labeled from age 2 to prevent asthma symptoms and bronchospasm set off by exercise or other triggers: one vial four times a day, or shortly before exposure, through a power-driven nebulizer.

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare. Gastrocrom’s dose is lowered when kidney or liver function is reduced, and headache and diarrhea were its most frequent side effects. The nebulizer solution has no role in status asthmaticus and does not stop an attack that has started, so a quick-relief inhaler is still needed; it can cause cough or bronchospasm, symptoms may return if the dose is lowered or stopped, and cough, nasal congestion, nausea, sneezing and wheezing are the reactions reported most often. MedlinePlus says it can take up to 4 weeks to feel its full benefit.

Several brands are gone: the FDA lists the Intal nebulizer solution and inhaler, the Opticrom eye drops and the NasalCrom spray as discontinued, MedlinePlus says the Crolom eye drops are no longer sold, and the old Gastrocrom capsule is discontinued too. The 4 percent eye drops are prescription only, for vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis and vernal keratitis from age 4: one or two drops in each eye four to six times a day, with contact lenses left out; brief stinging or burning is the most common effect. Cromolyn nasal spray, 5.2 mg per spray, was approved for sale without a prescription in 1997 for nasal allergy symptoms; MedlinePlus says it is most effective when started before contact with the allergen.

Taking Cromolyn Sodium

How to take it

Oral concentrate: half an hour before meals and at bedtime; break open the ampule, squeeze it into a glass of water, stir and drink all of it, and do not change the dose or stop without the prescriber. Nebulizer: a fresh vial four times a day, or shortly before exercise or another trigger. Eye drops: one or two drops in each eye four to six times a day, with contact lenses out.

If you miss a dose

Take or use it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip the missed dose. Do not double a dose.

Storage

At room temperature, protected from light. Keep ampules and vials in their foil pouch until use, and do not use liquid that is discolored or has particles. Keep the eye drops tightly closed in their carton.

Interactions to know about

The nebulizer label says the stability and safety of cromolyn mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established, so ask before combining it with another nebulized medicine. Tell the pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Cromolyn Sodium differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Each form is a separate product. The oral concentrate is sold as Gastrocrom and as generics rated equivalent to it, and an adult dose of eight ampules a day empties a 96-ampule carton in twelve days, so the quantity, not just the dispensing fee, drives the quote. The nebulizer solution is a generic sold in cartons of 60 vials, which last 15 days at one vial four times a day.

The eye drops and the nasal spray have lost their brands, so check that a pharmacy can get them before comparing quotes; a cromolyn spray sold over the counter is a shelf item rather than a prescription fill.

Ways to pay less for Cromolyn Sodium without insurance

• For the oral concentrate, ask for a generic rated equivalent to Gastrocrom, and compare quotes for the same number of ampules.
• Once your dose is settled, ask the prescriber for a quantity that covers a month or more, so you pay fewer dispensing fees.
• Before the prescription is sent, confirm the pharmacy can get your form, especially the eye drops.
• If cromolyn nasal spray is prescribed, ask the pharmacist whether an over-the-counter cromolyn spray is available.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Cromolyn Sodium

1. 1.Which form is on my prescription, and can you get it?
2. 2.How do I mix the oral concentrate, and when do I take it around meals?
3. 3.How long before I should expect it to work?
4. 4.Can I mix the nebulizer solution with my other nebulizer medicines?

Related medications