Is NasalCrom a Steroid? Answers to 6 NasalCrom FAQs

If you experience seasonal or year-round allergies, you’ve likely tried one or more over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications. NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium) is one of several allergy nasal sprays available OTC.

Since it sits next to nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone), it’s common to wonder if NasalCrom is similar to other OTC options. So is NasalCrom a steroid (corticosteroid)? And how long does it take to work? Below, you’ll find answers to six frequently asked questions about NasalCrom.

1. Is NasalCrom a steroid?

No, NasalCrom is not a steroid. Its active ingredient is cromolyn sodium. And it belongs to a group of medications called mast cell stabilizers.

Example of nasal steroid sprays include:

• Flonase

• Nasacort (triamcinolone)

• Rhinocort (budesonide)

• Nasonex (mometasone)

Currently, NasalCrom is the only mast cell stabilizer nasal spray available OTC.

2. How does NasalCrom work?

NasalCrom works by preventing mast cells (a type of immune cell) from releasing certain chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, your body’s mast cells release several chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals cause your body to develop allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and runny nose.

NasalCrom helps block mast cells from releasing these chemicals. And fewer of these chemicals means less allergy symptoms.

3. How long does it take NasalCrom to work?

NasalCrom doesn’t work right away. It can take several days for the nasal spray to start working. And it may take up to 6 weeks to feel its full effects. Because of its delayed effects, NasalCrom is a better option to help prevent allergy symptoms, rather than treat them.

It’s recommended to start NasalCrom at least 2 to 4 weeks before you expect allergy symptoms to start. If you already have symptoms, you may need to use a faster-acting allergy medication — such as an oral or nasal spray antihistamine — at the same time. After 2 weeks, you can try stopping the antihistamine to see if NasalCrom is working on its own.

4. Can you use NasalCrom and Flonase together?

Yes, you can use NasalCrom and Flonase together. They work in different ways to help relieve allergy symptoms. And they’re not known to interact with each other.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• How to use NasalCrom: Knowing how to use nasal sprays, such as NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium), is key to getting your full dose.

• Know your options. NasalCrom is one of many nasal sprays that can help manage allergy symptoms. Review your options to see which nasal spray may be right for you.

• Alternative treatments: Some natural supplements may also help treat allergy symptoms. Learn which supplements are worth a try according to experts.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wait at least 15 minutes between using the two nasal sprays. This helps ensure your body has time to fully absorb the medication from the first spray.

NasalCrom is also safe to combine with other allergy medications, including antihistamines and decongestants.

5. How effective is NasalCrom?

NasalCrom may not work as well as steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines. Because of its typical dosage, it is also less convenient to use. You have to use NasalCrom 3 to 4 times a day — and in some cases, up to 6 times daily. Most people use steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines once or twice a day.

For these reasons, experts don’t recommend NasalCrom as a first-choice allergy medication. It’s usually suggested if other medications aren’t working well enough. Your healthcare team may also recommend NasalCrom if you’re pregnant. This is because of NasalCrom’s long-standing safety profile and how it compares to those of other allergy medications.

6. Can NasalCrom be used long term?

NasalCrom is safe to use daily throughout an entire allergy season. It has few side effects and long-standing safety data. But NasalCrom’s manufacturer recommends talking to a healthcare professional if you’ve been using the nasal spray daily for 12 weeks (3 months). This is to make sure NasalCrom is still the best choice for you.

How to save on NasalCrom

There are ways to save on NasalCrom, which is available OTC as both a brand-name and generic medication. If a healthcare professional writes you a prescription for NasalCrom, you can apply a GoodRx discount to help you save. Generic cromolyn sodium’s price at certain pharmacies may be as low as $6.89 per bottle with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Sarah Morin, RPh

Sarah Morin, RPh, has been a registered pharmacist for over 25 years. She started out as a hospital pharmacist, working at Rhode Island Hospital and then at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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