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How does Cromolyn prevent allergy symptoms?
When an allergen such as pollen enters the body, it attaches to certain antibodies on specific cells in the body called mast cells. This starts a cascade of events leading to the influx of calcium into the mast cell. The mast cell then bursts open and releases histamine, which is the mediator that causes the allergic reaction and the itchy, watery eyes and runny nose you may experience. Cromolyn (sodium cromoglycate) binds to the mast cell and indirectly blocks the entry of calcium ions, thereby preventing the release of histamine. Since Cromolyn blocks histamine release, it prevents the allergy symptoms that histamine usually causes. It has no intrinsic bronchodilator, antihistaminic or anti-inflammatory activity.
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When should I start using Cromolyn?
The best results are obtained when you start to use Cromolyn before the onset of seasonal allergy symptoms. Start using Cromolyn approximately one week before the allergy season begins and continue to use it every day throughout the allergy season, even if you do not have any symptoms. You can also use Cromolyn to relieve your signs and symptoms after seasonal allergies have begun and to prevent further symptoms from appearing.
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How long will Cromolyn take to start working?
Using Cromolyn will not provide immediate relief of symptoms. In fact, it can take several days before you feel complete relief. The maximum effect is obtained in 1 to 2 weeks. In the meantime, other systemic, anti-allergy medications can be used if needed without fear of interaction with Cromolyn. You should begin to see modest improvement within a few days, however the full benefit will not be reached until you have been taking Cromolyn for 1-2 weeks.
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Can Cromolyn be used year-round?
Patients can safely use Cromolyn throughout the peak seasonal allergy periods each year. It is not recommended for year-round use, as there is always the chance that you may become tolerant to the medication through over-use. If you use it all year-round, Cromolyn may stop working for you. Taking a break from Cromolyn during the non-allergy season will avoid this risk and the product should be effective when used during the following allergy season.
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What are the indications for Cromolyn Eye Drops?
Cromolyn Eye Drops are indicated in the prevention and relief of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (itching, tearing, congestion, etc.).
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How should Cromolyn Eye Drops be used?
It is important that you use Cromolyn Eye Drops at regular intervals, 1-2 drops in each eye 4 times a day. Cromolyn should be used continually throughout the usual allergy season, even if you are free of symptoms. The maximum total daily dose is 16 drops or 8 drops per eye.
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Can Cromolyn Eye Drops be used with contacts lenses?
Our recommendation is not to use soft contact lenses at all during treatment with Cromolyn, because the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can discolor the contact lenses. If, however, the patient still wishes to use their contact lenses, they should remove their contact lenses each time they use Cromolyn and wait a minimum of 15 minutes before reinserting the contact lenses.
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What are the indications of Cromolyn Nasal Mist?
Cromolyn Nasal Mist is indicated for the prevention and relief of the nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as congestion (stuffy nose), sneezing and itchy, runny nose.
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How should Cromolyn Nasal Mist be used?
When used preventatively, the recommended dosage is one metered spray into each nostril 2 to 3 times per day (every 8-12 hours). It is important to continue treatment throughout the allergy season, even if you are free of symptoms, to help maintain relief. If you start to use Cromolyn Nasal Mist after the allergy season has already started, you may need to use it more often at first. The maximum dosage in this case can be up to one metered dose spray into each nostril 6 times daily until the adequate response has been obtained and full preventative benefits are in place.
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What is the difference between Cromolyn Nasal Mist and Nasonex or Flonase?
First and foremost, Cromolyn is non-systemic and can be sold without a prescription whereas the corticosteroids such as Nasonex and Flonase cannot. Sodium cromoglycate is not a corticosteroid. Although it takes longer to get the maximal anti-inflammatory benefit, there are a lot less potential side effects than there are with steroid use. Cromolyn is used to treat moderate allergies and it is readily available over the counter for the convenience of patients. Cromolyn Nasal Mist can also be safely used with other nasal medications such as corticosteroids.
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Can a patient who has nasal polyps use Cromolyn Nasal Mist?
Since information on patients with nasal polyps is quite limited, Cromolyn should not be used in these patients. Should a doctor recommend the use of Cromolyn in these patients, he/she should make sure the patient is monitored closely while undergoing treatment.
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Is Cromolyn Nasal Mist effective for patients who have allergic asthma?
No formal studies have been done on asthmatic patients, but many pediatricians and allergists have reported good patient response while using sodium cromoglycate in allergic asthmatic patients. However, patients being treated with Cromolyn for allergic asthma should always be closely observed while undergoing treatment.
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Is there a rebound effect when a patient stops using Cromolyn?
Since sodium cromoglycate is not a decongestant, there is no rebound effect after the treatment is discontinued. However, we recommended that you discontinue the productgradually, over a period of one week, rather than abruptly, to avoid the reappearance of symptoms if the allergen is still present. It is sometimes hard to tell when to stop using Cromolyn, since the product stops symptoms before they start. Discontinuing slowly will allow you to detect the return of symptoms early on, so that you can start taking regular doses again to head them off.
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Are there any side effects with Cromolyn that I should know about?
Cromolyn is a non-systemic medication, thus it does not get into the blood and so has very few side effects. It goes to work directly where the allergy symptoms occur and does not affect other parts of the body. With Cromolyn Eye Drops, the most common side effects include stinging or burning in the eye upon instillation. With Cromolyn Nasal Mist, the most common side effect is a slight irritation of the nasal mucosa. If more serious side effects occur, contact your physician.
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Will Cromolyn make me drowsy all day?
No, Cromolyn is a non-sedating medication and thus is ideal for those who need to operate heavy vehicles or machinery, and for those who need a non-drowsy solution to their allergies.
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Are there any contraindications for the use Cromolyn that I need to be aware of?
The only contraindication with Cromolyn Nasal Mist or Eye Drops, is in patients who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Otherwise, it is safe to use, even in patients who have hypertension, thyroid problems, enlarged prostate or glaucoma. Patients who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor prior to using Cromolyn. Since safety and security in children under 5 years of age has not been established, it is not indicated for use in this age group. Patients undergoing any other eye treatment should consult a physician before using Cromolyn Eye Drops.
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What is the shelf life of the product after the bottle has been opened?
We recommend that you discard Cromolyn Eye Drops 4 weeks after opening the bottle. This is because the risk of contaminating the solution increases greatly if it is used for more than a month. As for the Cromolyn Nasal Mist, wipe nosepiece after each use to prevent contamination.
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Does Cromolyn solution contain lactose or sulfates?
Cromolyn is both lactose and sulfate free and can be safely used by patients with sensitivities to these common allergens.
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Can I use Cromolyn with Allegra or Reactine?
Yes, Cromolyn is safe to use in conjunction with systemic antihistamines or decongestants without causing any drug interactions.
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