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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

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

Less common

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

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.

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]

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.