Cromolyn Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 1, 2024.

Applies to cromolyn: inhalation solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral solution

Common side effects of cromolyn

Some side effects of cromolyn may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• coughing
• nausea
• throat irritation or dryness

If you are using the cromolyn inhalation aerosol, you may notice an unpleasant taste. This may be expected and will go away when you stop using the medicine.

Serious side effects of cromolyn

Along with its needed effects, cromolyn may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking cromolyn:

Rare side effects

• difficulty in swallowing
• hives
• increased wheezing or difficulty in breathing
• itching of skin
• low blood pressure
• shortness of breath
• swelling of face, lips, or eyelids
• tightness in chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cromolyn: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol with adapter, inhalation solution, nasal spray, oral capsule, oral solution.

General adverse events

Adverse reactions following use of this drug are rare; headache and diarrhea have been reported following oral use, while cough, nasal congestion, sneezing and wheezing have been reported with oral inhalation.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pharyngitis, dyspnea, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, nasal itching, nose bleed, nose burning
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia, hoarseness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Polycythemia, neutropenia, pancytopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Anemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, urinary frequency^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pruritus, rash
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria/angioedema, erythema/burning, photosensitivity, purpura
• Postmarketing reports: Photodermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abdominal pain, nausea,
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, glossitis, stomatitis, vomiting, dysphagia, oesophagospasm, unpleasant taste, stomachache, mild throat irritation
• Postmarketing reports: Swollen parotid gland^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal hepatic function test^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing, tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, palpitations, chest pain
• Postmarketing reports: Periarteritic vasculitis, pericarditis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, stiffness/weakness of legs, lupus erythematosus syndrome
• Postmarketing reports: Joint swelling and pain, polymyositis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, migraine, convulsions
• Postmarketing reports: Peripheral neuritis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Psychosis, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, behavior change, insomnia, nervousness^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, malaise, tinnitus
• Postmarketing reports: Vertigo^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Lacrimation^[Ref]

Further information

Cromolyn side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer