Sodium cromoglycate belongs to a group of medications called mast-cell stabilizers. It is used to prevent or treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as itching, sneezing, and runny or stuffy nose.

This medication works by preventing the release of natural chemicals from cells in the body (mast cells) involved in an allergic reaction. This medication may take up to one week before you begin to notice symptom relief.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

This medication is more effective when used before your symptoms begin and at the start of the allergy season. If possible, start this medication 1 week before your usual seasonal allergy symptoms occur.

When used for preventing allergic symptoms, the usual recommended starting dose for adults and children over 5 years old is 1 spray into each nostril 6 times daily. When your symptoms are under control, the dose should be decreased to 1 spray into each nostril 2 to 3 times per day (every 8 to 12 hours). If you do not get symptom relief after 7 days of starting treatment, contact your doctor.

Continue treatment throughout the allergy season, even if you are free of symptoms, to help maintain relief.

To use the nose spray, remove the dust cap from the pump and remove the security clip from around the neck of the pump. To prime the pump, press downward on the shoulders of the applicator, using your forefinger and middle finger while supporting the base of the bottle with your thumb. Press down and release the pump until a fine spray appears. Holding the bottle upright, insert the tip into your nostril and press the bottle fully upwards with your thumb, then release. Repeat the procedure for your other nostril. Wipe the nosepiece after each use to prevent contamination. Replace the dust case and security clip after using.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each mL of clear, colourless to slightly yellowish solution, contains sodium cromoglycate 2% w/v. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. The pump delivers approximately 2.6 mg of sodium cromoglycate (0.13 mL of the 2% w/v solution) per mist.

Do not use sodium cromoglycate nasal spray if you are allergic to sodium cromoglycate or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• cough
• headache
• nasal irritation or burning
• sneezing
• unpleasant taste in mouth

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• skin rash, hives

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Nasal polyps: There is limited information on the use of this medication by people with nasal polyps. If you have nasal polyps, do not use this mediation without consulting your doctor.

Stopping medication: Stopping this medication should be done gradually over a period of one week to prevent allergic symptoms from recurring. If you are not sure how to do this, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis to return.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children under 5 years old.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.