CROMOLYN (Nasal)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
- Children's Nasalcrom
- Nasalcrom
In Canada?
- Apo-Cromolyn
- Cromolyn Nasal Solution
- Gen-Cromoglycate
Another commonly used name is sodium cromoglycate.
Category
- Antiallergic, nasal
- Mast cell stabilizer, nasal
Description
Cromolyn (KROE-moe-lin) nasal solution is used to help prevent ortreat the symptoms (sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, itching) of seasonal (short-term)or chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis. Cromolyn powder for nasal inhalationis used to help prevent seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis.
This medicine works by acting on certain cells in the body, called mastcells, to prevent them from releasing substances that cause the allergic reaction.
When cromolyn is used to treat chronic (long-term) allergic rhinitis, anantihistamine and/or a nasal decongestant may be used with this medicine,especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
Nasal cromolyn is available without a prescription in the U.S., however,in Canada, it requires a prescription from your doctor. It is available inthe following dosage forms:
Nasal- Nasal solution (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nasal cromolyn, thefollowing should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to cromolyn. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.
Pregnancy?Nasal cromolyn has not been shown to cause birthdefects in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that cromolyn, whengiven by injection in very large amounts, causes a decrease in successfulpregnancies and a decrease in the weight of the animal fetus. Before usingthis medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you maybecome pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether cromolyn passes into thebreast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are usingthis medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only in adultpatients, and there is no specific information comparing use of nasal cromolynin children up to 6 years of age (in Canada, up to 5 years of age) with usein other age groups. In older children, this medicine is not expected to causedifferent side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of nasal cromolyn in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingnasal cromolyn, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacistknow if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of nasal cromolyn. Make sure you tell your doctorif you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease?Diseases of these body systems may alter theconcentration of nasal cromolyn in the body
- Polyps or growths inside the nose?Cromolyn may not work ifnasal passages are blocked
Proper Use of This Medicine
This medicineusually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using themedicine.
Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose.
To use:
- Cromolyn solution is used with a special spray device.
- To keep clean, wipe the nosepiece with a clean tissue and replacethe dust cap after use.
- To avoid spreading an infection, do not use the container for morethan one person.
Use this medicine only as directed. Do not usemore of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do somay increase the chance of side effects.
In order for this medicine to work properly, it mustbe used every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor:
- For patients using cromolyn for seasonal (short-term)allergic rhinitis, up to 1 week may pass before you begin to feel better.
- For patients using cromolyn for chronic (long-term)allergic rhinitis, up to 2 to 4 weeks may pass before you feel thefull effects of this medicine, although you may begin to feel better after1 week.
Dosing?The dose of nasal cromolyn will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average doses of nasal cromolyn. If your dose isdifferent, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For nasal solution dosage form:
- For allergic rhinitis:
- Adults and children 6 years of age (in Canada, 5 years of age) andolder?One spray into each nostril three to six times a day until conditionis better; then, one spray in each nostril every eight to twelve hours.
- Children up to 6 years of age (in Canada, up to 5 years of age)?Useand dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it assoon as possible. Then use any remaining doses for that day at regularly spacedintervals. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the solution from freezing.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomesworse, check with your doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medicalattention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjuststo the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following sideeffects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 6/04/1999
