Gastrocrom (cromolyn sodium)
Mast-Cell Stabilizer-Type Anti-allergy Systemic Agents Oral Concentrate, Oral
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Cromolyn sodium has been described as a mast-cell stabilizer.
USES: This medication is used to treat mastocytosis, a disease that occurs when the body has too many mast cells. These normal body cells release substances (such as histamines) that are needed for normal body defense and healing, but when too many mast cells are present, they release too much of these substances. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, itching, rash, and flushing.
Cromolyn belongs to a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing mast cells from releasing the substances that can cause these skin and gut problems.
Generic name: cromolyn sodium
Pronunciation: (CROW-mow-lin)
Drug class: Mast-Cell Stabilizer-Type Anti-allergy Systemic Agents
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Gastrocrom
Indications
The following indications are listed for Gastrocrom:
- Systemic Mastocytosis
Also known as: Systemic Mast Cell Disease.
Dosing
The oral aerosol inhaler delivers 800 mcg of cromolyn sodium per metered spray from the mouthpiece. The commercially available aerosol containing 8.1 or 14.2 g of drug delivers at least 112 or 200 metered sprays, respectively; the canister should be discarded after the labeled number of actuations have been used since the correct drug dose per inhalation cannot be assured if used for additional doses.
Although cromolyn sodium is only minimally absorbed (up to 1%) following oral administration, the absorbed portion undergoes renal and biliary elimination. Severe anaphylactic reactions may occur rarely in patients receiving cromolyn sodium, and the manufacturer states that oral dosage of the drug should be reduced in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage reduction of cromolyn sodium given via oral inhalation also should be considered in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Cromolyn sodium is administered orally and via oral inhalation. The oral concentrate of the drug in ampuls should not be used for oral inhalation therapy nor injected. Proper administration of cromolyn sodium is necessary to obtain optimum results, and it is important that the patient receive careful instruction on the particular dosage form employed.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrocrom 100 Mg/5 Ml Conc | Maintenance | Take 200 mg (2 ampules) and squeeze contents into a glass of water and stir by oral route 4 times per day 30 min before meals and at bedtime. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Cromolyn 100 Mg/5 Ml Oral Conc | Maintenance | Take 200 mg (2 ampules) and squeeze contents into a glass of water and stir by oral route 4 times per day 30 min before meals and at bedtime. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
- Disease of liver
- Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Less Frequent
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
Rare or Very Rare
- Allergic dermatitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Bronchospastic pulmonary disease
- Dyspnea
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Laryngeal edema
More Frequent
- Diarrhea
- Headache disorder
Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal pain with cramps
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Myalgia
- Nausea
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
In animal studies, cromolyn has produced adverse effects on the fetus (e.g., increased resorption, decreased fetal weight) only in very high parenteral doses. Healthy infants have been born to women who received cromolyn throughout pregnancy; nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of cromolyn in pregnancy. Cromolyn sodium should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Since it is not known if cromolyn is distributed into milk in humans, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women. Clinicians should weigh the potential benefits to the mother against the potential risks to the infant when considering cromolyn sodium therapy in nursing women.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic mastocytosis | ||
| C96.21 | ICD10CM | Aggressive systemic mastocytosis |
| D47.02 | ICD10CM | Systemic mastocytosis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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