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Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »
The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.
What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.
Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.
Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you use cromolyn sodium nasal, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medicine is usually given as 1 spray into each nostril every 4 to 6 hours during allergy season or within 1 week before you will be exposed to an allergen. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not use cromolyn sodium nasal more than 6 times in a 24-hour period. Do not use this medication for longer than 12 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.
To use the nasal spray:
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before you get the full effect. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.
Store cromolyn sodium at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle capped when not in use.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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