Cromolyn was approved by the FDA in 1973. In 1997, the FDA approved over-the-counter status for the nasal solution. However, other forms of cromolyn do require a prescription.

Please visit the official site of the FDA for further information.

Cromolyn is a synthetic compound that is used to prevent some allergic reactions.

Many of the symptoms and signs of allergic reactions are caused by chemicals such as histamine that are released from mast cells, a type of cell that is found throughout the body as well as in the lungs, nose, and eyelids. Cromolyn works by preventing the release of these chemicals from the mast cells.

Cromolyn is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom®) to treat allergic rhinitis, as an inhaler (Intal®) to treat asthma, as eye drops (Opticrom® and Crolom®) for allergic conjunctivitis, or in an oral form (Gastrocrom®) to treat mastocytosis. Sodium cromolyn has also been shown to reduce symptoms of food allergies, including some cases of chronic migraines.

This medication has not been approved for any alternative uses other than those mentioned in the product information section.

Cromolyn is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom®) to treat allergic rhinitis, as an inhaler (Intal®) to treat asthma, as eye drops (Opticrom® and Crolom®) for allergic conjunctivitis, or in an oral form (Gastrocrom®) to treat mastocytosis. Doses vary from patient to patient.

Aerosol inhalation:

The canister should be shaken well before administering.

After breathing out completely, the mouthpiece is inserted between the open lips, and the lips are closed firmly around the mouthpiece.

The valve of the canister is then pressed down one time while inhaling deeply and slowly.

The canister then is removed from the lips, and the breath is held for a count of 10 before exhaling slowly.

If more than one inhalation is being used, a minute should elapse between inhalations. An extension tube (spacer) may be useful for persons who are unable to coordinate inhaling and pressing down on the canister’s valve.

Following administration, the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water or a mouthwash. This will minimize dry mouth or throat, throat irritation, and hoarseness.

The inhaler must also be cleaned frequently. To clean, the canister and cap are removed from the inhaler. The inhaler is then rinsed with warm water and dried thoroughly.

If a bronchodilator aerosol spray such as albuterol (Proventil® or Ventolin®) is used in addition to cromolyn, the bronchodilator should be used first, and 5 minutes should elapse before the cromolyn is used.

Intranasal spray:

Adults and children 6 years of age and older can use one spray in each nostril three or four times daily.

If necessary, physicians may increase the dose to 6 times daily.

Ophthalmic (eye) solution:

Both hands should be washed before each use of cromolyn.

The head is tilted back and the lower eyelid is pulled down with the index finger to form a pouch.

The bottle is then squeezed slightly to allow the prescribed number of drops into the pouch, and the eye is closed gently for one or two minutes without blinking.

The tip of the dropper should not touch the eye or eyelid.

The usual dose in adults and children 4 years of age and older is one or two drops in each eye 4 to 6 times per day.

Several weeks of therapy may be required before improvement is apparent.

Please inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or any other serious illness. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with cromolyn sodium inhalation.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use cromolyn sodium inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Additionally, it is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk. Do not use cromolyn sodium inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is important that you avoid items or activities that you know are allergens for you if they make your symptoms worse. Clean areas where dust or pet fur may aggravate your condition.

If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse after using any of the forms of cromolyn, check with your doctor.

For the ophthalmic (eye) solution:
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

For the intranasal spray:
As above, if you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced intervals. Do not double doses.

For the aerosol inhalation:
If you are using cromolyn regularly and you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced times.

In general, cromolyn is well-tolerated, and side effects usually are limited to the site of application. Increased spasm of the breathing tubes, throat irritation, and cough are the most common side effects from oral inhalation of cromolyn. Taking a beta-adrenergic bronchodilator prior to the cromolyn can prevent these side effects.

Cromolyn intranasal spray can produce sneezing and nasal irritation, but these effects generally are short-lived following each application.

On the other hand, the use of cromolyn eye drops can produce irritation of the eye. This effect also is generally short-lived.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Remember to throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Note: Do not freeze the ophthalmic solution of cromolyn.

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur.

Nevertheless, if you do suspect of an overdose, call your local poison control center on 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, then call the local emergency services on 911.