Cromolyn (Oral)

Brand Names : Gastrocrom, Nalcrom, sodium cromoglycate

Proper Use of This Medicine

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, it is best to take oral cromolyn as follows:

Capsules
• Open the cromolyn capsule(s) and pour all of the powder into one-half glass (4 ounces) of hot water. Stir the solution until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. Then add an equal amount (one-half glass) of cold water to the solution while stirring.
• Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of medicine.
• Do not mix this medicine with fruit juice, milk, or food because they may keep the medicine from working properly.
• It is important to take this medicine at regular intervals for best results.

Ampuls
• Break open the ampul(s) and squeeze contents into a glass of water and stir well.
• Be sure to drink all of the liquid to get the full dose of medicine.
• It is important to take this medicine at regular intervals for best results.
• Do not use the ampul if it appears cloudy or discolored.

Take cromolyn only as directed . Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Dosing - The dose of cromolyn will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of cromolyn. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (capsules and ampuls):
  • For symptoms of mastocytosis:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - 200 milligrams (mg) dissolved or mixed in water and taken four times a day, thirty minutes before meals and at bedtime.
    • Children 2 to 12 years of age - 100 mg dissolved or mixed in water and taken four times a day, thirty minutes before meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose if your symptoms are not under control within two to three weeks after you begin taking this medicine.
    • Infants and children up to 2 years of age - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 20 mg per kilogram (kg) (9.1 mg per pound) of body weight a day. This dose is divided into four doses. Your doctor may increase the dose if your symptoms are not under control within two to three weeks after you begin taking this medicine.
    • Premature infants - Use is not recommended.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. Then take any remaining doses for that day at regularly spaced times.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and light, in a tightly closed container.
• Do not store the capsule form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
• Store ampuls in their foil pouch until you are ready to use them.