Cromolyn Sodium Is a Mast Cell Stabilizer Used to Treat Mastocytosis and Related Conditions

Cromolyn Sodium (brand name Gastrocrom) is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing mast cells in your body from releasing histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause symptoms like diarrhea, flushing, abdominal pain, and itching.

If you've been prescribed Cromolyn or are researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it's used for to how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Cromolyn?

Brand and Generic Names

Cromolyn Sodium is the generic name. You may also see it referred to as Cromoglicic Acid or DSCG (Disodium Cromoglycate). Brand names include:

• Gastrocrom — the oral solution form, manufactured by Meda Pharmaceuticals (a Viatris company)
• NasalCrom — an over-the-counter nasal spray for allergies
• Intal — a discontinued inhaled form previously used for asthma
• Opticrom — a discontinued ophthalmic (eye drop) form

Drug Class

Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer. Unlike antihistamines (which block histamine after it's released), Cromolyn prevents mast cells from releasing histamine in the first place. Think of it as a preventive shield rather than a cleanup crew.

Manufacturers

The brand-name oral solution (Gastrocrom) is made by Meda Pharmaceuticals, now part of Viatris. Generic versions have been produced by Micro Labs, Rising Pharmaceuticals, and Omnivium Pharmaceuticals. Woodward Pharma previously manufactured a generic version but has discontinued production.

FDA Approval and Schedule

Cromolyn Sodium has been FDA-approved for decades. It is not a controlled substance — it has no abuse potential and no DEA scheduling. This means it can be prescribed via telehealth and doesn't require special prescribing procedures.

What Is Cromolyn Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Systemic mastocytosis — the primary approved indication for the oral solution. Treats symptoms including diarrhea, flushing, headaches, vomiting, urticaria (hives), abdominal pain, nausea, and itching.
• Allergic rhinitis — the nasal spray (NasalCrom) is FDA-approved and available over the counter for nasal allergy symptoms.
• Prophylaxis of bronchial asthma — the inhaled form was approved for mild to moderate asthma prevention, but this form has been largely discontinued.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Cromolyn for conditions not on the FDA-approved label, including:

• Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) — one of the most common off-label uses
• Food allergies — to help prevent severe reactions
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How Is Cromolyn Taken?

Available Forms

• Oral solution (concentrate): 100 mg/5 mL ampules — this is the prescription form used for mastocytosis and MCAS
• Nasal spray: 5.2 mg per actuation — OTC as NasalCrom
• Ophthalmic solution: 4% — prescription eye drops
• Compounded oral capsules: 100 mg or 200 mg — available from compounding pharmacies

Typical Dosage

For the oral solution, the standard adult dose is:

• 200 mg (2 ampules) four times daily
• Taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime
• May be increased to 400 mg four times daily if needed
• Maximum dose: 40 mg/kg/day

How to Take It

1. Open the ampules and empty them into a glass of water
2. Stir and drink the solution
3. Take it 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime
4. Do not mix with fruit juice, milk, or food
5. Be consistent — Cromolyn works best when taken regularly

It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for Cromolyn to reach its full effect. Don't stop taking it early because you don't feel an immediate difference.

Who Should Not Take Cromolyn?

Cromolyn should not be used if you have:

• A known allergy to Cromolyn Sodium or any ingredient in the formulation
• An acute asthma attack — Cromolyn is a preventive medication, not a rescue inhaler
• Status asthmaticus — a severe, prolonged asthma attack

Talk to your doctor before starting Cromolyn if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney or liver problems. While Cromolyn is classified as Pregnancy Category B (no evidence of harm in animal studies), there aren't enough human studies to confirm safety during pregnancy.

For more on safety, read our guide to Cromolyn side effects.

How Much Does Cromolyn Cost?

Cromolyn costs can vary significantly:

• Without insurance: $130–$400+ per month for the oral solution, depending on your dose and pharmacy
• With a GoodRx coupon: Generic oral solution starts around $134 for a 96-ampule box
• Compounded versions: $200–$250 for a 60–90 day supply
• NasalCrom (OTC nasal spray): $15–$20 at most pharmacies
• Prescription Hope: Offers Gastrocrom for $70/month through their patient assistance program

Insurance coverage varies. Many plans cover generic Cromolyn Sodium oral solution but may require prior authorization. Some plans classify it as a specialty medication. For tips on reducing costs, see our guide to saving money on Cromolyn.

Current Availability

As of 2026, Cromolyn Sodium oral solution continues to experience intermittent shortages that began in 2023. If you're having trouble finding it, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock, or ask your doctor about alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Cromolyn Sodium is a well-established, safe medication that has helped patients with mastocytosis and mast cell disorders for decades. It works differently from antihistamines by preventing the problem at its source — stopping mast cells from releasing inflammatory chemicals in the first place.

If you think Cromolyn might be right for you, talk to your doctor. Need help finding a prescriber? Check out our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Cromolyn.