Cromolyn Sodium Overview

(KROE moe lin)

Crolom®; Gastrocrom®; Intal® [DSC]; NasalCrom® [OTC]

Apo-Cromolyn®; Intal®; Nalcrom®; Nu-Cromolyn; Opticrom®; Rhinaris-CS Anti-Allergic Nasal Mist

Intal; Opticrom; Rynacrom

Mast Cell Stabilizer

• If you have an allergy to cromolyn sodium or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Cromolyn blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

All forms:

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Continue to take this medicine to prevent the allergy. Once the symptoms start, this medicine will not help.

Oral:

• Take this medicine 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.

• Do not swallow capsule. Open it and empty powder into a 1/2 glass of hot water. Add a 1/2 glass of cold water. Mix and drink.

Oral inhalation:

• For inhaling (puffing) only.

• Shake inhaler well before use.

• Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Read and follow all instructions provided with inhaler. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.

• If exercise causes symptoms, use immediately before activity.

• There is also a solution for use in a nebulizer. Healthcare provider will teach you how to use this.

Nasal:

• For the nose only.

• Shake well before use.

• Blow your nose before use.

Eye:

• For the eye only.

• Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. Do not put contacts back in if eyes are irritated or infected.

• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.

• Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.

• After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.

• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2005-04-07 16:30:41.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:21:08.0

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