Gastrocrom

Gastrocrom helps stop the release of substances in the body that lead to inflammation.

Gastrocrom is used to relieve the symptoms of a condition known as mastocytosis, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, itchy skin, and flushing (warmth or redness under the skin).

Gastrocrom may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Gastrocrom 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 Gastrocrom 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 doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use Gastrocrom 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 all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you are taking.

You should not use Gastrocrom if you are allergic to it.

To ensure Gastrocrom is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

It is not known if Gastrocrom can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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

Gastrocrom 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.

Gastrocrom 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
• tight feeling in the chest.

Common side effects of Gastrocrom 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 help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

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