Cromolyn Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 27, 2024.
Applies to cromolyn: oral solution. Other dosage forms:
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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cromolyn:
Rare
- Coughing
- difficulty in swallowing
- hives or itching of skin
- swelling of face, lips, or eyelids
- wheezing or difficulty in breathing
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking cromolyn:
Less common
- Skin rash
Other 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
- Diarrhea
- headache
Less common
Note: If the above side effects occur in patients with mastocytosis, they are usually only temporary and could be symptoms of the disease.
- Abdominal pain
- irritability
- muscle pain
- nausea
- trouble in sleeping
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to cromolyn: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol with adapter, inhalation solution, nasal spray, oral capsule, oral solution.
General
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]
More about cromolyn
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (27)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: mast cell stabilizers
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
- Cromolyn sodium drug information
- Cromolyn sodium inhalation
- Cromolyn (Inhalation) (Advanced Reading)
- Cromolyn (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Cromolyn Capsules
- Cromolyn Oral Concentrate
Other brands
Gastrocrom, Intal Inhaler, Intal
Professional resources
- Cromolyn (Systemic, Oral Inhalation) monograph
- Cromolyn Sodium (FDA)
- Cromolyn Sodium Inhalation Solution (FDA)
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
3. Product Information. Cromolyn Sodium (cromolyn). Teva Pharmaceuticals (formerly IVAX). 2022.
4. Product Information. Gastrocrom (cromolyn). Celltech Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2022.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.