Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 16, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Nasalcrom
Available Dosage Forms:
- Spray
Therapeutic Class: Nasal Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer
Uses for cromolyn
Cromolyn nasal solution is used to help prevent or treat the symptoms (sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, itching) of seasonal (short-term) or chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis. Cromolyn powder for nasal inhalation is used to help prevent seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis.
Cromolyn works by acting on certain cells in the body, called mast cells, to prevent them from releasing substances that cause the allergic reaction.
When cromolyn is used to treat chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis, an antihistamine and/or a nasal decongestant may be used with cromolyn, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
Nasal cromolyn is available without a 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
Studies on cromolyn have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of nasal cromolyn in children up to 6 years of age (in Canada, up to 5 years of age) with use in other age groups. In older children, cromolyn is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
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 nasal cromolyn in the elderly with use in other age groups, cromolyn is not expected to cause different side effects or prob...
