What is Gastrocrom: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Gastrocrom overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Gastrocrom

Generic Names:

  • Cromolyn Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats mastocytosis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Gastrocrom used for?

Gastrocrom is a prescription-only medication that is used by patients diagnosed with mastocytosis to relieve symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, itchy skin and stomach pain. It works by preventing mast cells from releasing substances to avoid inflammatory symptoms from occuring.

What form(s) does Gastrocrom come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Gastrocrom doses?

  • Plas Cont 5ML of 100MG/5ML

Common Gastrocrom prescriptions

  • Gastrocrom
    5ml of 100mg/5ml plas cont

How to take Gastrocrom

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine works best when you use it at evenly spaced times during the day. Use the medicine 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • This medicine needs to be mixed with only water before you use it. Do not mix the medicine with juice, milk, food, or anything else.

  • To use the liquid: Do not use the liquid if it is cloudy or colored. Pour an 8-ounce (1 cup) glass of water. Break open the ampule (medicine tube) and squeeze all of the liquid into the glass of water. Stir well. Drink all of this mixture to make sure you get all of the medicine.

  • To use the capsule: Do not swallow the capsule whole. Pour a 4-ounce (1/2 cup) glass of hot water. Open the capsule and pour all of the powder into the water. Stir until all of the medicine is dissolved (mixed with the water). Then pour another 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of cold water into the glass. Drink all of this mixture to make sure you get all of the medicine.

  • To use the capsule: Do not swallow the capsule whole. Pour a 4-ounce (1/2 cup) glass of hot water. Open the capsule and pour all of the powder into the water. Stir until all of the medicine is dissolved (mixed with the water). Then pour another 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of cold water into the glass. Drink all of this mixture to make sure you get all of the medicine.

  • To use the liquid: Do not use the liquid if it is cloudy or colored. Pour an 8-ounce (1 cup) glass of water. Break open the ampule (medicine tube) and squeeze all of the liquid into the glass of water. Stir well. Drink all of this mixture to make sure you get all of the medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine works best when you use it at evenly spaced times during the day. Use the medicine 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • This medicine needs to be mixed with only water before you use it. Do not mix the medicine with juice, milk, food, or anything else.

What to do if you miss a dose of Gastrocrom

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

  • Use any remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced times.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Gastrocrom contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cromolyn.

Gastrocrom warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

Gastrocrom interactions

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or kidney disease.

Gastrocrom side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast or uneven heartbeat.

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Itching, rash.

  • Muscle aches.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Itching, rash.

  • Headache.

  • Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain.

  • Muscle aches.