Drug Comparisons

Nasal mast cell stabilizers reduce swelling and secretions by decreasing the number of mediators (histamine and prostaglandins) in the nose. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray (Nasalcrom) is the only available nasal mast cell stabilizer. Nasalcrom is used for the prevention of allergy symptoms and for the treatment of allergy symptoms.

Drugs in this Class
Cromolyn Nasal Spray (Nasalcrom)

Summarizing the Evidence

• Scientific studies have shown that many nasal corticosteroids, including beclomethasone, flunisolide and budesonide are more effective than Nasalcrom for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
• Frequent dosing (3 to 6 times per day) of Nasalcrom is required for improvement of allergy symptoms. This frequent dosing may be a disadvantage to using Nasalcrom.

• Nasalcrom is most effective when used before you come in contact with substances that cause allergy symptoms. If you have seasonal allergies, you may continue to use Nasalcrom until the season is over.
• Symptoms of allergies may be reduced within 3 to 7 days of daily use of Nasalcrom, however the full effects of Nasalcrom may not be seen for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Because of the favorable safety profile, Nasalcrom is often recommended for young children, pregnant women and the elderly for the treatment of allergy symptoms.
• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAI) recommends using Nasalcrom to reduce or prevent allergy symptoms in some patients.

Dosing and Administration

• Nasalcrom is initially used three to four times daily. However, Nasalcrom may be used up to 6 times per day for adequate control of allergy symptoms.

Generic Availability

• Nasalcrom (cromolyn Sodium) is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription from your doctor. Nasalcrom can be purchased at your local drugstore. Nasalcrom is not available generically.

Drug Interactions

Some interactions between medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how the drugs interact and the severity of the interaction, please use our Drug Interactions Checker.

Side Effects

To view specific side effect information, please use our Side Effect Checker.

Additional Information

References:

1. Nasalcrom official website. Available at: http://www.pfizerch.com/product.aspx?id=419. Accessed June 2007.
2. DRUGDEX: System (electronic version). MICROMEDEX, Inc., Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA. Available at: http://www.tomescps.com (06/06/07).
3. May JR, Smith PH. Allergic Rhinitis. In: Pharmacotherapy A Pathophysiologic Approach. Dipiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, et al (eds). 6th ed. McGraw-Hill. New York. 2005. pg. 1729-1740.
4. Welsh PW, Stricker WE, Chu CP et al. Efficacy of beclomethasone nasal solution, flunisolide, and cromolyn in relieving symptoms of ragweed allergy. Mayo Clin Proc. 1987;62(2):125-34.
5. Morrow-Brown H, Jackson FA, Pover GM. A comparison of beclomethasone dipropionate aqueous nasal spray and sodium cromoglycate nasal spray in the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 1984;12(5):355-61.
6. Tandon MK, Strahan EG. Double-blind crossover trial comparing beclomethasone dipropionate and sodium cromoglycate in perennial allergic rhinitis. Clin Allergy. 1980;10(4):459-62.
7. Bjerrum P, Illum P. Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with budesonide and disodium cromoglycate. A double-blind clinical comparison between budesonide and disodium cromoglycate. Allergy. 1985;40(1):65-9.
8. Fisher WG. Comparison of budesonide and disodium cromoglycate for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in children. Ann Allergy. 1994;73(6):515-20.
9. Hillas J, Booth RJ, Somerfield S et al. A comparative trial of intra-nasal beclomethasone dipropionate and sodium cromoglycate in patients with chronic perennial rhinitis. Clin Allergy. 1980;10(3):253-8.
10. Chandra RK, Heresi G, Woodford G. Double-blind controlled crossover trial of 4% intranasal sodium cromoglycate solution in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy. 1982;49(3):131-4.
11. Cohan RH, Bloom FL, Rhoades RB, Wittig HJ, Haugh LD. Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis with cromolyn sodium. Double-blind study on 34 adult patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1976;58(1 PT. 2):121-8.
12. Handelman NI, Friday GA, Schwartz HJ et al. Cromolyn sodium nasal solution in the prophylactic treatment of pollen-induced seasonal allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 197;59(3):237-42.
13. Dykewicz MS, Fineman S, Skoner DP, et al. Diagnosis and management of rhinitis: parameter documents of the joint task force on practice parameters in allergy, asthma, and immunology. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1998;81(5):478-518.
    
14. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Practice parameters for diagnosis and management of rhinitis. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/NR/rdonlyres/C39594CA-ABDF-4DBA-93EC-1CFB3429D305/0/rhinitis.PDF. Accessed May 24, 2006.
    

    Last Updated: March 2008
    This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.

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    Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any medication.