NasalCrom Nasal Spray: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

NasalCrom Nasal Spray contains cromolyn sodium, an intranasal mast cell stabilizer available over the counter. It helps prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms such as a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose, and sneezing caused by hay fever. NasalCrom works locally in the nose and is different from antihistamines. It is generally used for up to 12 weeks in a row unless a health care provider advises otherwise.

What is NasalCrom Nasal Spray

NasalCrom is an over-the-counter nasal spray that contains cromolyn, a medicine that helps prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms. It works locally in the nose and is not an antihistamine.

NasalCrom Nasal Spray uses

• Prevents and eases nasal allergy symptoms like a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose, and sneezing caused by hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• May be used for other conditions as determined by a health care provider

Benefits of NasalCrom Nasal Spray

• Targets allergy symptoms directly in the nose
• Can be used proactively before allergy season or allergen exposure to help prevent symptoms

How NasalCrom Nasal Spray works

NasalCrom works by stabilizing mast cells, which are immune cells in the nose. This stops them from releasing substances like histamine that cause allergy symptoms when you're exposed to things like pollen, dust, or pets. It also works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

NasalCrom Nasal Spray dosage

Use exactly as directed on the product label. NasalCrom works best if used during allergy season, or at least a week before contact with things you're allergic to, such as pollen, dust, or pets. Use it when you are around things that trigger your allergies and to help prevent symptoms before exposure. It may take a few days before you notice improvement, and it could take one to two weeks of regular use for full effect. Do not use for longer than 12 weeks in a row unless a health care provider recommends it.

Shake well before use. Blow your nose gently before using the spray. Keep your head upright or tilt it forward slightly, close one nostril, and breathe in gently through the nose while spraying into the other nostril, then repeat on the other side. Breathe out through your mouth after spraying.

Spray up the nose only; do not spray onto the wall between the nostrils and avoid getting it in your mouth or eyes. Do not blow your nose for a few minutes after using the spray. If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water. After use, rinse the spray tip with hot water or wipe with a clean tissue, then recap; avoid getting water inside the tip.

Do not use double or extra doses if you miss one; just take the next dose as scheduled. Do not share your bottle with other people, as this may spread germs. Not for use in young children under 2 years old without medical advice. Call your doctor if symptoms don't improve after two weeks or if they get worse.

Available forms and strengths

• Nasal spray

Side effects of NasalCrom Nasal Spray

Common

• Sneezing
• Stinging or burning feeling in the nose right after use
• Nose irritation
• Mild cough

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, or skin rash
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; wheezing or chest tightness
• Unusual hoarseness
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation in the nose
• Nosebleeds, sinus pain, or sores in the nose
• Wheezing or a tight feeling in the chest
• Fever or green or yellow mucus from the nose

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine should only be used for allergy symptoms. Do not use it to treat the common cold, asthma, or a sinus infection.
• Do not use this medicine for longer than 12 weeks in a row unless your health care provider tells you to.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
• If you have had recent nose surgery, injury, ulcers, or sores, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If it is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Do not share your bottle of this medicine with other people, as this may spread germs.
• It is not known if or how this medicine could affect pregnancy or harm a baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using it.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed before using it.
• No routine renal dose adjustment is generally required. No routine hepatic dose adjustment is generally required. It isn't known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine. NasalCrom usually does not impair driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C)
• Store in a cool, dry place protected from light
• Do not store in a bathroom
• Keep the bottle capped when not in use
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Throw away unused or expired drug; do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless told to do so; check with your pharmacist about take-back programs

When to see a doctor

• Stop using this medicine and get help right away if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, wheezing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fainting, stomach cramps, or joint pain.
• Call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation in your nose; nosebleeds, sinus pain, or sores in your nose; wheezing or chest tightness; or fever with green or yellow mucus from the nose.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms don't improve after two weeks of use, or if they get worse.
• Get medical help right away if you think you or someone else has used too much of this medicine.

Alternatives

• Fluticasone nasal spray
• Budesonide nasal spray
• Olopatadine nasal spray
• Loratadine