Gastrocrom works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Gastrocrom is used to treat the symptoms of a condition called mastocytosis, which can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, itchy skin, and flushing (warmth or redness under the skin).

Gastrocrom may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Gastrocrom is usually taken 4 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Break open the Gastrocrom ampule and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use.

Take this medicine 30 minutes before each meal, and at bedtime.

Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of the drug in your body at all times.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.

Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Do not use Gastrocrom if it looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

You should not use Gastrocrom if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Gastrocrom is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

It is not known whether Gastrocrom will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Gastrocrom is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Gastrocrom may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• swelling of your tongue;

• trouble swallowing; or

• tight feeling in the chest.

Common side effects of Gastrocrom may include:

• headache, feeling irritable;

• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• rash, itching; or

• muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with cromolyn sodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.