Cromolyn sodium

Cromolyn sodium works by stopping the release of substances in the body that lead to 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 may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Cromolyn sodium is usually taken 4 times a 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 the mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save it 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 doctor's 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.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use cromolyn sodium if you are allergic to it.

To make sure cromolyn sodium is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cromolyn sodium is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cromolyn sodium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• swelling of your tongue;
• trouble swallowing; or
• a tight feeling in the chest.

Common side effects of cromolyn sodium may include:

• headache, feeling irritable;
• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• rash, itching; or
• muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with cromolyn sodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all of your health care providers about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.