- What brand names are available for cromolyn?
- Is cromolyn available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for cromolyn?
- What are the side effects of cromolyn?
- What is the dosage for cromolyn?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with cromolyn?
- Is cromolyn safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about cromolyn?
What are the side effects of cromolyn?
Common side effects include:
Allergic reactions also can occur. Increased spasm of the breathing tubes (bronchospasm), throat irritation, and cough are the most common side effects from oral inhalation of cromolyn. Taking a beta-adrenergic bronchodilator (for example, albuterol) prior to the cromolyn can prevent these side effects. Cromolyn intranasal spray can produce sneezing and nasal irritation, but these effects generally are short-lived following each application. Use of cromolyn eye drops can produce irritation of the eye. This effect also is generally short-lived.
Quick GuideAsthma Symptoms, Causes, and Medications
What is the dosage for cromolyn?
Cromolyn nebulized solution: 20 mg inhaled via nebulizer 2 or 4 times daily. Intranasal spray: Adults and children 2 years of age and older can use one spray in each nostril three or four times daily. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 6 times daily.
Ophthalmic (eye) solution: The usual dose in adults and children 4 years of age and older is one or two drops in each eye 4 to 6 times per day. Relief may be evident within a few days but several weeks of therapy may be required.
Oral concentrate solution: The recommended dose is 200 mg 4 times daily 30 minutes prior to meals.
Which drugs or supplements interact with cromolyn?
No drug interactions have been described with cromolyn.
Is cromolyn safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
What else should I know about cromolyn?
What preparations of cromolyn are available?
Intranasal Spray: 5.2 mg/spray; Nebulized Solution: 10 mg/ml: Opthalmic Solution: 4% (1.6 mg/drop); Oral Concentrate: 100 mg/5 ml.
How should I keep cromolyn stored?
Cromolyn should be kept at room temperature, 20 C - 25 C (68 F - 77 F).
Summary
Cromolyn (Nasalcrom, Gastrocrom [Intal, Opticrom are discontinued]) is an inhaled via nebulizer prescribed for the treatment of chronic asthma and exercised induced asthma, controlling symptoms of hay fever, and allergy conjunctivitis. Side effects drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this drug.
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.Asthma Complexities
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.Asthma in Children
Asthma in children manifests with symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Rates of asthma in children are increasing. Asthma in children is usually diagnosed based on the description of symptoms. Lung function tests may also be used. A variety of medications are used for the treatment of childhood asthma.Asthma Medications
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC asthma drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.Asthma Overview
Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.Asthma: Over The Counter Treatment
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Chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) usually is caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year-round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependent upon the type of rhinitis condition.
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Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.Hay Fever
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.Nasal Allergy Medications
Nasal allergy medications are used to relieve itching, sneezing, and nasal swelling associated with allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids are different types of nasal allergy medications. Possible side effects of these medications include dryness, stuffiness, burning, bleeding, nervousness, and palpitations.
