Type of medicine: antiallergy; mast cell stabilizer
Generic and brand names: cromolyn, nasal; NasalCrom (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is a nasal spray used to prevent and treat runny nose, sneezing, or stuffy nose caused by seasonal or chronic (long-term) allergies. You may buy this medicine without a prescription.
Before taking this medicine, talk your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine as directed. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come in the medicine package. It is important to blow your nose before using the nasal spray. Do not use more or use it longer than prescribed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full effects of treatment. Stop using the product if your symptoms do not start to improve within 2 weeks or new symptoms occur.
If you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve within 3 months or if it gets worse.
This medicine will not treat infections such as colds or sinus infections. It should not be used to treat asthma. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, trouble swallowing.
Other: Stinging or burning inside your nose, sneezing, change in sense of taste, headache, bloody nose, runny nose.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using other nasal spray medicines while you are using this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
