cromolyn
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is an oral solution that helps manage mastocytosis, a condition where too many mast cells release chemicals that can cause symptoms like diarrhea, flushing, or itching. It belongs to a drug class called mast cell stabilizers, and works by stopping mast cells from chemicals that cause inflammation. You typically take it 4 times a day by mouth, before meals and at bedtime. Side effects include headache and diarrhea.
What is Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)?
What is Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) used for?
How Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) works
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is a mast cell stabilizer. It prevents mast cells from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic or inflammatory symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, flushing, itching, and 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
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Irritability
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling in the face, trouble breathing
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 by directly targeting mast cells
- Typically well tolerated with few side effects
- Safe for children as young as 2 years old
Cons
- Must be taken up to 4 times a day
- Can take 2 to 6 weeks to work
- Needs to be prepared before taking it
Pharmacist tips for Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
- Take cromolyn (Gastrocrom) before meals, usually about 30 minutes before eating, and again at bedtime. This timing helps the medication work better.
- To prepare the cromolyn (Gastrocrom), empty the ampule into a glass of water, mix well, and drink all of the liquid.
- Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) might leave a bitter taste in your mouth after you take it. This is normal.
- Don't use cromolyn (Gastrocrom) if the liquid looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
- Store cromolyn (Gastrocrom) at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep it in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it to protect it from light.
Common questions about Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
No, cromolyn (Gastrocrom) isn't over the counter. It requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.
In studies, people taking cromolyn (Gastrocrom) started to see symptom improvement within 2 to 6 weeks. If your symptoms aren’t well controlled after 2 to 3 weeks, tell your prescriber, since they might raise your dose. Keep in mind that this medication works better when taken regularly.
Feeling sleepy isn't a common side effect of cromolyn (Gastrocrom), but it can happen. If you notice you're more tired than usual, let your prescriber know.
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) isn't known to cause hair loss. If you notice more hair falling out than usual, talk with your prescriber so they can help find the cause.
Weight gain isn’t a known side effect of cromolyn (Gastrocrom). Most people don't gain weight while taking it. If you notice changes in your weight, let your prescriber know.
It takes about 5 to 8 hours for cromolyn (Gastrocrom) to leave your system. This estimate is based on the medication's half-life, which means the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be cleared from your body.
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Several companies make the generic versions. The brand-name version, Gastrocrom, is packaged by Viatris Specialty LLC.
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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. Your prescriber might recommend you start a lower dose to help reduce the risk of side effects.
Allergic reaction
Rarely, cromolyn (Gastrocrom) can cause a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you notice a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face or throat.
Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) dosage
Typical dosage for Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)
- Adults and teens (13 years and older): The typical starting dose is two ampules (200 mg total) dissolved in water then taken by mouth 4 times a day (about 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime).
- Children (2 to 12 years): The typical starting dose is one ampule (100 mg total) dissolved in water then taken by mouth 4 times a day (about 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime).
Your dose might differ if you have liver or kidney problems.
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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