Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Gastrocrom
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Gastrointestinal Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer
Uses for cromolyn
Cromolyn is used to treat the symptoms of mastocytosis. Mastocytosis is a rare condition caused by too many mast cells in the body. These mast cells release substances that cause the symptoms of the disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, flushing or itching of skin, or hives.
Cromolyn works by acting on the mast cells in the body to prevent them from releasing substances that cause the symptoms of mastocytosis.
Cromolyn is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using cromolyn
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cromolyn, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cromolyn or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Although there is no specific information comparing use of oral cromolyn in children with use in other age groups, cromolyn is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. Cromolyn is usually used in children two years of age and older. However, it may be used in children younger than two years of age if their disease is severe.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of oral cromolyn in the elderly with use in other age groups, cromolyn is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for ...
