Cromolyn sodium

Cromolyn sodium is a prescription medication used to treat mastocytosis, a disease that occurs when the body has too many mast cells which can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, itching, rash, and flushing.

• Cromolyn sodium is available under the following different brand names: Gastrocrom

Adult and pediatric dosage

Oral concentrate

• 100mg/5mL
• Mastocytosis
• Adult dosage
• 200 mg orally four times daily; 30 minutes before meals; may increase to 40 mg/kg/day if control of symptoms not seen within 2-3 weeks

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children between 2 to 12 years:100 mg orally four times daily; not to exceed 40 mg/kg/day; give 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime
• Children above 12 years: As in adults; 200 mg orally four times daily; 30 minutes before meals; may increase to 40 mg/kg/day if control of symptoms not seen within 2-3 weeks

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Cromolyn sodium include:

• headache, 
• muscle aches,
• diarrhea,
• nausea, and
• abdominal pain.

Serious side effects of Cromolyn sodium include:

• premature ventricular contractions,
• hypoesthesia,
• lightheadedness,
• flushing,
• palpitation,
• erythema,
• photosensitivity, and
• behavior changes.

Rare side effects of Cromolyn sodium include:

• serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling especially of the face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Cromolyn sodium has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Cromolyn sodium has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Cromolyn sodium has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Cromolyn sodium has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cromolyn sodium?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Cromolyn sodium?”

Cautions

• Severe anaphylactic reactions may occur (rare)
• Excreted through biliary and renal routes; monitor closely patients with hepatic/renal insufficiency; decrease dose in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function
• Use caution in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmia and hepatic or renal impairment
• The oral concentrated solution should not be used for inhalation or injection
• Not beneficial in the acute setting
• Symptoms may reoccur when tapering or withdrawing the drug; use caution

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy.

Lactation

• Unknown if excreted in breast milk, use caution.