What it means
A drug that prevents, rather than treats, allergic reactions. As a nasal spray it prevents allergic rhinitis; as eye drops it prevents allergic conjunctivitis; as an oral liquid it treats a rare condition, mastocytosis. It has very few side effects.
For the nurse
Teach the client to use it regularly, starting before allergy season or exposure, and that it may take a week or more to reach full effect. It does not stop an asthma attack.
At a glance
| Drug class | mast cell stabilizer |
|---|---|
| Brand names | NasalCrom (nasal), Gastrocrom (oral) |
| Also written | NasalCrom, Gastrocrom, cromolyn sodium |
Related terms
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
AR
An abbreviation with more than one meaning, most often aortic regurgitation or allergic rhinitis; the setting shows which.
fexofenadine
A second-generation antihistamine taken for seasonal allergies and hives, with little drowsiness.