Gastrocrom (cromolyn sodium) is a prescription drug used to treat mastocytosis. Gastrocrom comes as a concentrate liquid solution you take by mouth. It’s typically taken four times per day.
Gastrocrom contains the active ingredient cromolyn sodium. It belongs to a group of drugs called mast cell stabilizers.
This article describes the dosages of Gastrocrom, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about this medication, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Gastrocrom. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s Gastrocrom’s form?
Gastrocrom comes as an oral concentrate liquid solution in single-use ampules (mini plastic containers). You mix the contents with water and take it by mouth.
What strength does Gastrocrom come in?
Gastrocrom oral concentrate comes as 100 milligrams (mg) of cromolyn sodium per 5 milliliters (mL) of water, which is equal to 20 mg/mL. It’s available in packs of 8 ampules and 96 ampules.
What are the usual dosages of Gastrocrom?
Your doctor will likely prescribe the recommended starting dosage of Gastrocrom and adjust your dosage as needed to manage your symptoms. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The section that follows describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. In some cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage from those shown below. Be sure to take the dosage they prescribe, as they’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for mastocytosis
Starting dosage: The typical starting Gastrocrom dosage for adults with mastocytosis is two ampules (200 mg) mixed with water and taken four times per day. You’ll take your dose 30 minutes before each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and before bedtime.
If your symptoms aren’t managed with the starting dose after 2 to 3 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 40 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight. (One kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds.)
Maintenance dosage: Depending on how you respond to the drug, your doctor may slowly lower your dose for long-term (maintenance) treatment. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dose that manages your mastocytosis symptoms long term.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Gastrocrom.
What’s the dosage of Gastrocrom for children?
Gastrocrom is prescribed to help treat symptoms of mastocytosis in children ages 2 to 12 years old. Gastrocrom is not approved for use in children under 2 years old.
The starting dosage for children is typically one ampule (100 mg) mixed with water and taken four times per day. Your child will take their dose 30 minutes before meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and before bedtime.
Your child’s doctor may increase your child’s dose if their symptoms don’t improve after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment at the starting dose. The maximum dose per day is 40 mg/kg of body weight. (One kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds.)
Your child’s doctor may lower their dose for long-term treatment once their symptoms are managed. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dose that manages your child’s mastocytosis symptoms.
For more information about Gastrocrom’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Gastrocrom
Gastrocrom comes as liquid concentrate in ampules. You’ll squeeze the contents into a glass of water, mix it, and drink the entire contents. Try to take Gastrocrom around the same time each day (30 minutes before meals and at bedtime).
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosage or how to take this medication.
Is Gastrocrom used long term?
Yes, Gastrocrom is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not take more Gastrocrom than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Gastrocrom
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Gastrocrom. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.