cromolyn non-prescription
NasalCrom (cromolyn) is a nasal spray that helps prevent and relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), such as runny, itchy, or stuffy nose. This medication belongs to the drug class called mast cell stabilizers. NasalCrom (cromolyn) is available over the counter for adults and children 2 years of age and older. It's sprayed once into each nostril and can be used 3 or 4 times a day. Side effects can include brief stinging or burning in the nose right after using and nosebleed.
What is NasalCrom (cromolyn)?
What is NasalCrom (cromolyn) used for?
- Prevention and relief of nasal allergy symptoms (runny or itchy nose, sneezing, stuffy nose)
How NasalCrom (cromolyn) works
When you come into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or dust, your immune system turns on mast cells to help get rid of it. The mast cells send out chemicals like histamine into the body that can cause allergy symptoms.
NasalCrom (cromolyn) is a mast cell stabilizer. It stops mast cells from sending out chemicals like histamine. When the medication is sprayed into the nose, it helps prevent and relieve itchiness in your nose and other nasal allergy symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of NasalCrom (cromolyn)
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
- Brief stinging or burning in the nose right after use
- Nosebleeds (8%)
- Headache (6%)
- Ear infection (6%)
- Sneezing right after use (5%)
- Sore throat (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Runny nose
- Sinus infection
- Asthma
NasalCrom (cromolyn) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, hives, swelling of the mouth or throat
The following NasalCrom (cromolyn) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of NasalCrom (cromolyn)
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Can be used in children 2 years and older
- Safe to use with other allergy medications
- Few side effects
- Doesn't worsen your stuffy nose after a few days of use ("rebound" nasal congestion)
Cons
- Takes at least 1 week of everyday use to notice symptom relief
- Might need to use 3 to 4 times a day
- Might cause stinging in your nose
- Might not work as well as steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines
Pharmacist tips for NasalCrom (cromolyn)
- It can take about 1 to 2 weeks until you get the most symptom relief from NasalCrom (cromolyn). The medication works best to prevent allergy symptoms if you start using it every day at least 1 week before you think your allergies will start.
- Before using NasalCrom (cromolyn) for the first time, spray into the air until a fine mist of liquid comes out. Once you see a fine mist, NasalCrom (cromolyn) is ready to use. This makes sure that you get a full dose of medication when you spray it into your nose for the first time.
- Blow your nose before each time you use NasalCrom (cromolyn). This helps make sure that there's nothing blocking the medication from getting absorbed in your nose.
- Review how to use nasal sprays like NasalCrom (cromolyn). Gently shake the bottle to mix the medication inside. Then, place the nozzle about a quarter- to half-inch into one of your nostril. Breathe in through your nose as you spray upward. Repeat in the other nostril.
- If you haven't used NasalCrom (cromolyn) in 2 weeks, you'll need to prep the spray pump again before using. Spray into the air until you see a fine mist of liquid.
- Wipe the nozzle clean after each time you use NasalCrom (cromolyn) and place the plastic cap back on the bottle. Don't give the bottle to anyone else to use. This helps prevent germs from spreading.
- Stop using NasalCrom (cromolyn) and ask a healthcare professional (HCP) for guidance if you have new or worsening symptoms, no improvement within 2 weeks, or need to use the spray for more than 3 months. Your HCP can recommend other options that can help your nasal allergy symptoms.
- Stop using NasalCrom (cromolyn) and get medical help if you have shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, hives, or swelling of the mouth or throat. These can be signs of a more serious situation, such as an allergic reaction.
Common questions about NasalCrom (cromolyn)
NasalCrom (cromolyn) doesn't cause rebound congestion — when your stuffy nose gets worse after you use a nasal spray that's meant to help relieve it for too long. Rebound congestion is more likely to happen with decongestant nasal sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline).
Yes, you can use NasalCrom (cromolyn) and fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) at the same time. NasalCrom (cromolyn) works differently than fluticasone (Flonase) to prevent or relieve allergy nasal symptoms. NasalCrom (cromolyn) blocks chemicals that cause nasal irritation like itchiness and sneezing from being released in the body. Fluticasone (Flonase) is a steroid nasal spray that lowers swelling in your nasal passages and lessens how much mucus there is in the nose. Be sure to wait 15 minutes between each type of nasal spray if you use NasalCrom (cromolyn) and fluticasone (Flonase) together.
Neither. NasalCrom (cromolyn) is a mast cell stabilizer, which works in a different way than steroids and antihistamines. Steroid nasal sprays help lessen inflammation in the nasal passages. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms. NasalCrom (cromolyn) blocks mast cells in your body from releasing chemicals like histamine that ultimately cause allergy symptoms.
No, NasalCrom (cromolyn) isn't known to raise blood pressure. This medication is generally considered safe for people with high blood pressure. Speak to your primary care provider if you notice that your blood pressure readings are higher than usual while you're using NasalCrom (cromolyn). Your primary care provider can discuss with you about your blood pressure.
Yes, you can find NasalCrom (cromolyn) over the counter at your local pharmacy. This medication is typically located in the same aisle as other allergy medications such as antihistamines. Ask the pharmacy staff if you need help finding NasalCrom (cromolyn).
Studies suggest that NasalCrom (cromolyn) is considered safe to use while pregnant. But it's always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before you use NasalCrom (cromolyn) if you're pregnant to make sure the medication is the most appropriate for relieving your symptoms.
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Risks and warnings for NasalCrom (cromolyn)
NasalCrom (cromolyn) 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.
Not appropriate to use for certain medical conditions
NasalCrom (cromolyn) might not be appropriate to relieve or treat certain symptoms or health problems. Ask a healthcare professional (HCP) before you use NasalCrom (cromolyn) if you have a fever; mucus that isn't clear in color; wheezing; or pain near your cheekbones, lower forehead, or between your eyes. Also don't use NasalCrom (cromolyn) for sinus infections, asthma, or cold symptoms. Speak with an HCP for recommendations for your symptoms or health condition.
NasalCrom (cromolyn) dosage
Nasal spray| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 metered sprays of 5.2mg/spray | 1 nasal spray | $6.89 | $6.89 |
Typical dosage for NasalCrom (cromolyn)
Each spray contains 5.2 mg of cromolyn.
- Adults and children 2 years or older: The typical dose is 1 spray into each nostril every 4 to 6 hours. You can use the spray up to 6 times a day.
- Children under 2 years of age: Don't use unless instructed by your child's pediatrician or other healthcare professional.
How much does NasalCrom (cromolyn) cost?
$6.89
What are alternatives to NasalCrom (cromolyn)?
