Type of medicine: mast cell stabilizer
Generic and brand names: cromolyn sodium, oral; Gastrocrom
This medicine is taken by mouth to control mastocytosis, a medical condition that may cause diarrhea, flushed skin, headache, vomiting, hives, abdominal pain, nausea, or itching.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
This medicine comes as a liquid in individual plastic ampules (small bottles) in a foil pouch. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Read and carefully follow the instructions in the medicine package. Use the exact number of ampules per dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. This medicine is usually taken half an hour before meals and at bedtime.
Prepare a solution with the number of ampules prescribed by your healthcare provider as follows:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take 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.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. This medicine must be taken regularly to be effective.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking 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; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, mouth sores, trouble swallowing.
Other: Headache, nausea, muscle pain, stomach pain, irritability, diarrhea, constipation, ringing in the ears, dizziness, trouble sleeping.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
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 this medicine at room temperature. Keep the ampules in the foil pouches until you use them. Protect the ampules from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not freeze this medicine.
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.
