Gastrocrom (cromolyn sodium) is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat mastocytosis in adults and some children. Gastrocrom comes as an oral solution that’s typically taken four times per day.
Gastrocrom is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mastocytosis in adults and children ages 2 years and older. With this condition, your body makes too many mast cells (a type of white blood cell). This can cause symptoms such as itching, diarrhea, and nausea.
Gastrocrom belongs to a drug class called mast cell stabilizers. It’s available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Gastrocrom, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Gastrocrom, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Gastrocrom provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Gastrocrom, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Read below for recommended dosages of Gastrocrom and other details about the drug.
Gastrocrom form
Gastrocrom comes as a concentrated oral solution in single-use ampules (small plastic containers). You mix the contents with water before taking Gastrocrom.
Gastrocrom strength
Gastrocrom comes in one strength of 100 milligrams (mg) cromolyn sodium per 5 milliliters (mL) of water, which is 20 mg/mL.
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start by prescribing a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for mastocytosis
If your doctor prescribes Gastrocrom for mastocytosis, your starting dose will likely be 200 mg (two ampules) mixed with water. You’ll take this four times per day. Typically, you’ll take one dose about 30 minutes before your three main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Your fourth (and final) dose of the day is usually at bedtime.
The maximum recommended dosage is 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day. One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Gastrocrom is approved to treat mastocytosis in children ages 2 years and older.
If your child’s doctor prescribes Gastrocrom, the starting dose will likely be 100 mg (one ampule) mixed with a glass of water. They’ll take this four times per day. Typically, this is one dose about 30 minutes before their three main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). They’ll usually take the fourth (and final) dose of the day at bedtime.
The maximum recommended dosage for children is 40 mg/kg of body weight per day.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
How to take Gastrocrom
Gastrocrom comes as a solution that you swallow. To prepare your dose, you’ll open the ampule(s) and squeeze the contents into a glass of water. Stir well and drink the entire mixture.
It may be helpful to maintain a consistent meal and bedtime schedule during treatment. Taking Gastrocrom at the same four times each day helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Gastrocrom can work effectively.
If you have questions about how to take Gastrocrom, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Gastrocrom is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Gastrocrom is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Gastrocrom, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
It’s important that you do not take more Gastrocrom than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Gastrocrom
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Gastrocrom. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.