Comprehensive medication guide to NasalCrom including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay with a prescription on most commercial plans; typically Tier 1–2 when prescribed. Medicare Part D generally does not cover OTC medications.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$15–$28 OTC retail for a 26 mL bottle (approx. 200 sprays); as low as $6–$7 with a GoodRx coupon for generic cromolyn sodium nasal spray at participating pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
78/100
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NasalCrom is the brand name for cromolyn sodium nasal spray, an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to prevent and relieve nasal symptoms caused by allergies. Each spray delivers 5.2 mg of cromolyn sodium, the active ingredient, directly into the nasal passages.
NasalCrom belongs to the mast cell stabilizer class — the only OTC nasal spray in this drug category. It is approved for adults and children age 2 and older and is sold without a prescription at most major pharmacies. It is manufactured by Prestige Brands Holdings.
NasalCrom treats seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, relieving symptoms such as runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and allergic stuffy nose. It is not a steroid, antihistamine, or decongestant and does not cause rebound congestion.
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NasalCrom works by stabilizing mast cells in the nasal lining. When you encounter an allergen — pollen, dust, pet dander — your immune system activates mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. NasalCrom prevents this release by blocking calcium channels in mast cell membranes, stopping the degranulation process before it starts.
Because it acts preventively, NasalCrom must be taken regularly and started 1–2 weeks before allergen exposure for maximum effect. It does not provide immediate relief like antihistamines but works upstream to prevent symptoms from developing. Less than 7% of the dose is absorbed systemically, giving it an excellent safety profile.
NasalCrom has no known significant drug-drug interactions, no steroid-related side effects, and does not suppress growth in children — making it one of the safest allergy nasal sprays available. The elimination half-life of cromolyn sodium is approximately 81 minutes after any systemic absorption occurs.
5.2 mg per spray — nasal spray
1 spray per nostril, every 4–6 hours (3–4 times daily); max 6 times per day. Ages 2+.
NasalCrom is not on the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of 2026 and is generally available at major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) and online. However, it is a lower-volume OTC product that some pharmacies — especially smaller independents and rural locations — may not regularly stock.
During peak allergy seasons (spring and fall), even pharmacies that carry NasalCrom can sell out between shipments. Common confusion also arises from the active shortage of cromolyn sodium oral solution (Gastrocrom) — a completely different product — which leads some patients and pharmacy staff to incorrectly believe NasalCrom is also unavailable.
If your pharmacy is out of NasalCrom, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have NasalCrom or generic cromolyn sodium nasal spray in stock — no hold music, no voicemail. You can also order online through Amazon, CVS.com, or Walgreens.com.
NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium nasal spray) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber in the US can recommend or write a prescription for it, though no prescription is required to purchase it OTC.
NasalCrom is also available through telehealth platforms such as Teladoc, MDLive, and your provider's patient portal. A virtual visit is all that's needed to obtain a prescription that enables insurance billing or discount program access — no in-person appointment required.
No. NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium nasal spray) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication and can be purchased at pharmacies and online without a prescription or ID verification.
Any licensed prescriber — including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers — can recommend or write a prescription for NasalCrom without any DEA restrictions. There are no refill limits, quantity restrictions, or early fill prohibitions associated with NasalCrom.
NasalCrom is well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects are mild and local:
Serious side effects (rare — stop use and seek medical help):
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Flonase (fluticasone propionate)
OTC intranasal corticosteroid; once daily; first-line recommended for most allergic rhinitis. Ages 4+ (Sensimist: ages 2+). More effective than NasalCrom for most patients.
Nasacort Allergy 24HR (triamcinolone)
OTC intranasal corticosteroid; once daily; ages 2+. Alcohol-free formulation. Effective for congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Astepro Allergy (azelastine 0.15%)
OTC intranasal antihistamine; fast-acting (15–30 min); twice daily; ages 6+. Provides quick relief when NasalCrom is unavailable or symptoms have already started.
Rhinocort Allergy (budesonide)
OTC intranasal corticosteroid; once daily; scent-free, alcohol-free; ages 6+. Gentle option with good tolerability.
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No known significant drug interactions
minorCromolyn sodium nasal spray has no known clinically significant drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-supplement interactions. It can be safely combined with oral antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, oral decongestants, leukotriene modifiers, and most prescription medications.
Benzalkonium chloride (preservative sensitivity)
minorNasalCrom contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. Some patients are sensitive to this preservative and may experience persistent nasal irritation. This is not a drug-drug interaction but a sensitivity to an ingredient. Not common but worth noting for patients with known preservative sensitivities.
NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium nasal spray) is a safe, effective, non-steroidal OTC option for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. While intranasal corticosteroids are generally considered more effective for moderate-to-severe symptoms, NasalCrom fills an important niche: patients who prefer to avoid steroids, those under 4 years old, and as an add-on therapy for breakthrough symptoms.
Key takeaways: Start 1–2 weeks before allergy season for best results. Use 3–4 times daily consistently. Don't confuse NasalCrom with the Gastrocrom oral solution shortage — they are different products. Generic cromolyn sodium nasal spray is therapeutically equivalent and available for as low as $6–$7 with GoodRx.
If you're having trouble locating NasalCrom at your pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones have it in stock and texts you the results — saving you time and frustration.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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