Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Cromolyn sodium is used to treat the symptoms of a condition called mastocytosis, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, itchy skin, and flushing (warmth or redness under the skin).
Cromolyn sodium is usually taken 4 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Break open the cromolyn sodium ampule and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use.
Take this medicine 30 minutes before each meal, and at bedtime.
Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctors advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Do not use cromolyn sodium if it looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
Possible side effects of cromolyn sodium include:
headaches
nasal irritation
cough
wheezing
dizziness
nausea
body aches
drowsiness
Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these side effects while taking cromolyn sodium. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication. Don’t stop your medication or make any changes to your dosage without speaking to your doctor first.
Keep the ampules in their foil pouches at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light until ready for use. Do not store in the bathroom.
Cromolyn sodium has been shown to produce severe anaphylactoid reactions; it is contraindicated for use in patients with a known hypersensitivity to cromolyn or to other product ingredients.
An overdose of cromolyn sodium ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.