Cromolyn Sodium

Cromolyn sodium is a drug that targets mast cells. Its objective is to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and all their other inflammatory chemicals.

By preventing the degranulation process from occurring, symptoms that they cause such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itching are prevented.

Inflammation and nasal congestion can also be avoided if histamine is not released. This is beneficial for the person who has sinusitis or hay fever.

This type of treatment is used when the focus is prevention. Stopping the release of histamine prevents the symptoms that it causes. It is not that effective once the symptoms have already begun to occur. This type of medication is most effective when taken before exposure to an allergen occurs.

For best results, it should be taken 1-2 weeks prior to an exposure to achieve maximum effectiveness. It also needs to be taken somewhere around every 4-6 hours. And even though this drug has proven to be effective, this seems to be the downfall for a lot of people. I have found that most people don't want to take something this often and for this long of time.

Cromolyn sodium comes as a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and as drops for eye allergies. As such, it doesn't produce side effects for the body because the medication is applied to the affected area only. And even though very few side effects are reported, it can still produce a burning or stinging sensation that is temporary. It seems to have fewer side effects than other types of allergy medication. The good news is that it does not cause the rebound affect like a nasal decongestant. It also doesn't cause drowsiness.

Drugs.com has a good article on cromolyn sodium.

Go to the nasal allergy HOME PAGE.

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