Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Crolom vs. Imuran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Gastrocrom (cromolyn) and Imuran (azathioprine) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Cromolyn is used to treat chronic eye allergies and asthma symptoms by stabilizing mast cells to prevent the release of chemicals that cause allergic and asthma symptoms. It comes in several forms, including eye drops, oral solution, and a solution for inhaling through a nebulizer. It is used several times a day and is safe for long-term use, including during pregnancy. On the other hand, Imuran is an immunosuppressant taken orally or via IV, primarily used to prevent kidney transplant rejection and to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Imuran is not a first-choice medication due to its many side effects, including an increased risk of infections and certain cancers. Unlike cromolyn, Imuran requires regular blood tests and has significant warnings about sun exposure and potential liver damage. While cromolyn is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, Imuran has more severe and common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and leukopenia.

  • Cromolyn eye drop
    Imuran (azathioprine)
  • Cromolyn eye drop
    Imuran (azathioprine)

  • Summary of Crolom vs. Imuran

    Summary for Mast cell stabilizer
    Prescription only

    Cromolyn eye drop is an ophthalmic drop that helps relieve long-term allergy symptoms related to the eye, such as eye itchiness, watery eyes, and eye redness. It belongs to a drug class called mast cell stabilizers. Cromolyn eye drop is for people over 4 years of age. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 drops in each eye 4 to 6 times a day. It typically takes a few days to a few weeks for symptom relief. The most common side effects are burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Imuran (azathioprine) is a medication used after kidney transplantation and also for rheumatoid arthritis. It's not a first choice medication because of many side effects. Your provider may also use Imuran (azathioprine) for other indications as well, although these are off-label (not FDA-approved) uses.

  • Indications of Crolom vs. Imuran

    Indications for
    •Long-term eye allergy symptoms
    Indications for
    •To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney
    •Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Pros and Cons of Crolom vs. Imuran

    Pros and Const for Mast cell stabilizer
    Pros
    •Helps both relieve and prevent long-term eye allergies
    •Most people have little to no side effects
    •Can be used in children as young as 4 years old
    Cons
    •Takes longer to start working than other allergy eye drops
    •Have to use many times a day
    •Requires a prescription
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Works well for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although it's not commonly used unless other medications don't work
    •Lowers the pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis
    •Available in a generic form which is more affordable
    •Can be used in people who have had a kidney transplant and are planning to become pregnant
    Cons
    •Regular blood tests are required
    •Raises risk of getting an infection
    •Not a first choice medication because of many side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Crolom vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cells in the body)
    •Infections

  • Warnings of Crolom vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Don't wear contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cancer
    •Fewer Blood Cells
    •Greater Risk for Infections
    •Liver Damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Crolom vs. Imuran

    Learn more about Cromolyn eye drop
    Learn more about Imuran

Compare other Asthma and Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Cromolyn vs ImuranCellcept vs MyforticEnbrel vs TrexallEntyvio vs OrtikosImuran vs Azulfidine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.