Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

cromolyn

Generic Gastrocrom

Used for Asthma, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Mastocytosis

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.

Reviewed by:

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 21, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Images Prices Medicare

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).

Are you looking for information on cromolyn solution for nebulizers or
cromolyn (Crolom) ophthalmic solution instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGastrocrom

Drug ClassMast cell stabilizer

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$803.61(save 98.09%)

GoodRx discount

$15.35

See prices

What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

Itching
Nausea
Joint or muscle pain
Stomach pain
Skin rash or sun sensitivity
Irritability

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

Rare

Coughing

difficulty in swallowing

hives or itching of skin

swelling of face, lips, or eyelids

wheezing or difficulty in breathing

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:

More common

Diarrhea

headache

Less common

Abdominal pain

irritability

muscle pain

nausea

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about Cromolyn (Gastrocrom)

How long will it take before I see the full effects of cromolyn (Gastrocrom)?

It can take up to 6 weeks before you see the full benefits of cromolyn (Gastrocrom). It works better when taken regularly.

Can I still take this medication if I have a history of kidney or liver problems?

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.

Is cromolyn (Gastrocrom) an antihistamine?

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.

How do I break open the cromolyn (Gastrocrom) ampule?

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.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

What are the 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 forms

The average cost for 1 carton of 96 ampules of 100mg/5ml of Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) is $1076.96 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 30.07% off the average retail price of $1540.13.

Ampule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
5ml of 100mg/5ml	1 ampule	$15.35	$15.35

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
96 ampules of 100mg/5ml	1 carton	$1076.96	$1076.96

Typical dosing 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

Cromolyn (Gastrocrom) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cromolyn (Gastrocrom). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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.