cromolyn
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is a liquid medication that helps treat mastocytosis, which is condition where mast cells build up in your body and cause skin problems, stomach issues, and bone pain.
What is Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)?
What is Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) used for?
- Mast cell disease (mastocytosis)
How Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) works
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is a mast cell stabilizer. It acts on mast cells in the body to prevent them from releasing substances that cause stomach and skin symptoms of the disease (like stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, flushing, itching, or hives).
Drug facts
Side effects of Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (5%)
- Diarrhea (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Nausea
- Joint or muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash or sun sensitivity
- Irritability
The following Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Skin rash
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abdominal pain
irritability
trouble in sleeping
Note: If the above side effects occur in patients with mastocytosis, they are usually only temporary and could be symptoms of the disease.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
Pros
- Works well to improve stomach issues and skin problems (e.g., hives, itching, flushing) in a majority of people
- Symptoms get better 2 to 6 weeks after starting cromolyn (Gastrocrom) and lasts 2 to 3 weeks after stopping
- Can be used in children 2 years and older
Cons
- Must be taken up to 4 times a day
- Commonly causes diarrhea and headache
- May need a dose adjustment if you have kidney or liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
- Don’t remove an ampule from its foil pouch (away from light) until you’re ready to use it.
- Once you empty the cromolyn (Gastrocrom) ampule into a glass of water, be sure to mix the solution well, and drink all of the liquid.
- Do not inhale or inject cromolyn (Gastrocrom) into your veins.
- Don’t use the medication if the liquid becomes solid or if the liquid changes color. Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is normally clear and colorless.
- You might notice a bitter aftertaste after taking cromolyn (Gastrocrom). This is normal.
Common questions about Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
It can take up to 6 weeks before you see the full benefits of cromolyn (Gastrocrom). It works better when taken regularly.
While you can still take cromolyn (Gastrocrom), your healthcare provider may need to lower your dose. Talk to them if you have any concerns before starting this medication.
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) prevents your mast cells from releasing too much histamine, a chemical created by your body's immune system. Antihistamines, on the other hand, block the effects of histamine by stopping the chemical from binding to receptors in the body, which helps treat allergies or cold and flu symptoms.
First, remove the ampule from its foil packaging. Then, open the ampule by twisting off the tabbed top. You’ll then be able to squeeze the liquid medication into a glass of water and drink the mixture.
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Risks and warnings for Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Kidney or liver problems
- Risk factors: Kidney problems | Liver problems
Be careful when taking cromolyn (Gastrocrom) if you have kidney or liver problems. If you have kidney or liver problems, your healthcare provider will need to start you on a lower dosage to avoid having side effects from the medication.
Allergic reaction
This medication may cause an allergic reaction. You shouldn't take cromolyn (Gastrocrom) if you are sensitive to it or any of its ingredients.
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) dosage
Typical dosage for Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
To take cromolyn (Gastrocrom), break an ampule and squeeze the contents into a glass of water. Stir the solution, and then drink all of the liquid. See below for the number of ampules to take. Each ampule contains 100 mg per 5 mL.
- Adults and adolescents (age 13 years and older): The typical dose is two ampules (200 mg total) by mouth 4 times daily. Take it 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
- Children (age 2 to 12 years): The typical dose is one ampule (100 mg total) by mouth 4 times daily. Take it 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
Interactions between Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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