cromolyn sodium oral

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

It is important to use cromolyn sodium regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 2 or 3 weeks of taking this medicine.

Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium oral is used to treat the symptoms of a condition called mastocytosis, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, itchy skin, and flushing (warmth or redness under the skin).

Cromolyn sodium oral may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn.

Before using cromolyn sodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use cromolyn sodium, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medicine is usually taken four times daily, before meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To use the cromolyn sodium oral solution (liquid), break open the ampule and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away.

It is important to use cromolyn sodium regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 2 or 3 weeks of taking this medicine.

Store cromolyn sodium at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the amplues in their foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.

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

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using cromolyn sodium unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• swelling of your tongue; or
• trouble swallowing.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• headache;
• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• skin itching;
• muscle pain; or
• feeling tired or irritable.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

There may be other drugs that can affect cromolyn sodium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist has more information about cromolyn sodium written for health professionals that you may read.

Cromolyn sodium is available with a prescription under the brand name Gastrocrom. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.