Neocrom

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Neocrom

Property Description
Active ingredient Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronan)
Form Sterile solution or injectable gel
Pharmacological class Viscoelastic Substance, Viscosupplementation Agent
Common purpose Augmenting lubrication and cushioning in tissues
Origin Naturally occurring polymer (often bacterial fermentation-derived)

Neocrom is a medicinal preparation featuring Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronan) as its active component. This substance, a purified polysaccharide with a high molecular weight, is structurally identical to the glycosaminoglycans found naturally in human connective tissues. The formulation is used in specialized forms to provide mechanical support and stabilization to the body’s fluid matrices, a role that is clinically recognized for supporting joint function and ocular health.


What Type of Medicine is Neocrom? (Identity and Classification)

Neocrom is classified by its physical function as a Viscoelastic Substance and a Viscosupplementation Agent, categories defined purely by the rheological properties of its active ingredient. The substance is formally classified as an Aid, Surgical, Viscoelastic when used in specific ophthalmic procedures.

The active component, Sodium Hyaluronate, is presented as a single-ingredient product in two principal sterile forms: a solution for topical (ophthalmic) use, or an injectable gel for parenteral (intra-articular) administration. Neocrom preparations are often distinguished by their high purity and consistent high-molecular-weight formulation, attributes critical to the preparation’s mechanical function as a shock absorber and lubricant.


What is the General Purpose of Neocrom? (Function and Benefit)

The general purpose of Neocrom is to provide mechanical protection and hydration to affected tissues by physical means, leveraging its unique viscoelastic structure. The preparation functions by capitalizing on these properties, which allow it to act as both a lubricant and a shock absorber. This physical action helps reduce friction and diminishes mechanical stress on sensitive structures. This core benefit aims to improve comfort, ensure moisture retention, and stabilize the environment, thereby promoting tissue protection and functional capacity.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DrugBank entry for Hyaluronic acid

What side effects are possible with Neocrom?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Neocrom (Sodium Hyaluronate) is primarily defined by localized adverse reactions that are generally associated with the specific site of administration, such as a joint space or the eye. Regulatory documents classify these effects by frequency and the body system affected, reflecting the preparation's physical function as a viscoelastic substance.

Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The most frequently documented reactions are typically transient and are classified as Common following intra-articular injection. These include joint pain (arthralgia), joint swelling, joint effusion (fluid buildup), and localized injection site reactions. For ophthalmic use, effects like transient increase in intraocular pressure and ocular pain are documented.

Reactions classified as Rare or uncommon can involve systemic response. These include hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash or pruritus, and, in isolated instances, severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

Serious Safety Considerations

The official labeling includes documentation of rare but serious risks associated with the procedure. These serious adverse reactions include the risk of sepsis (septic arthritis) following intra-articular injection and, in ophthalmic procedures, rare reports of retinal detachment.

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Neocrom is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the preparation. The injectable form is also restricted for use in joints with an active infection or severe inflammation. Furthermore, the safety and effectiveness for certain uses have not been established in pediatric patients or in pregnant and lactating women, a constraint explicitly noted in regulatory documents.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose Scope

Documented overdose presentations:

  • Localized Acute Symptoms: Manifestations are primarily localized, potentially including joint effusion (swelling), increased joint pain, or transient local inflammation at the injection site. Over-administration may result in these acute symptoms.
  • Ocular Effects: For ophthalmic formulations, overdose may present as a transient increase in intraocular pressure.
  • Systemic Status: Systemic overdose is generally not expected or listed as Not Applicable (NA) in regulatory documentation due to the product’s localized administration and rapid metabolism.

Physiological systems affected (as stated in label):

  • Musculoskeletal/Articular System: Localized pain and swelling following injection.
  • Immunological System: Rare potential for severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, sometimes accompanied by transient hypotension.

Population-specific overdose notes (if applicable):

  • Pediatric Status: The safety and effectiveness of the injectable formulation have not been established in pediatric patients.

Emergency-Response Statements (Official Documents)

When immediate medical help is required (label-derived phrasing only):

  • Seek emergency medical help immediately if signs of a severe allergic reaction occur, such as difficult breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
  • Call a doctor at once if there is severe or sudden pain and swelling around the injection site.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Severity classification (as defined in official documents):

  • Severe Systemic Reaction: Anaphylaxis is a documented rare, serious outcome requiring immediate medical intervention.
  • Antidote Status: No specific antidote is known or documented in the prescribing information.
  • Management: Management involves general symptomatic and supportive measures, including resting the joint and applying ice locally for localized reactions.

Connection to the overall overdose profile (2–4 sentences): Regulatory documents define the overdose profile of this viscoelastic substance by focusing on the local consequences of excess volume, such as joint effusion and pain. Official guidance mandates seeking immediate medical attention specifically for the rare but severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) or when severe, persistent local pain requires consultation. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive.

Therapeutic Uses of Neocrom

What Neocrom Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Neocrom is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, particularly in situations involving certain distressing symptoms. The medicine is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or episodic manifestations.

It is applied in situations involving conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily, such as those related to hay fever and nasal allergies. It is often used when symptoms become more noticeable and supportive relief is needed. Its application is to help address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive. One patient-oriented benefit is that it supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing the overall symptom load.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support for Episodic Discomfort

Neocrom is relevant when supportive symptom management is appropriate, helping to maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable. It provides support that helps ease the overall symptom load.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Neocrom (Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Solution) eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory documents, outlining populations permitted to use the medicine and those who must not.

Who Must Not Use Neocrom (Contraindications)

Use of Neocrom is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to cromolyn sodium or any component of the formulation. This is an absolute restriction defined by regulatory authorities.

Age-Related Eligibility

The medicine is approved for use in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 2 years old, and use is not recommended for this younger age group. For older adults, systematic study data are insufficient, but no specific contraindications are listed.

Conditions for Restricted Use

Regulatory labeling specifies that use is conditional in certain populations. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to consult a healthcare professional before use, as data on transfer to the fetus or human milk is limited. The medicine should not be used to treat symptoms of asthma, sinus infection, or a common cold. Furthermore, consultation with a healthcare professional is required if a patient has specific symptoms such as fever, wheezing, or discolored nasal discharge, or if treatment is needed for longer than 12 consecutive weeks.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Neocrom (Sodium Hyaluronate) is strictly defined by regulatory documentation focusing on local physicochemical incompatibility and the absence of systemic interaction risks.

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions Quaternary Ammonium Salts (a class of cationic surfactants frequently used in disinfectants and some local topical products).
Specific interacting medicines Agents such as Benzalkonium Chloride are explicitly mentioned in regulatory documents.
Mechanistic basis of interactions Physicochemical incompatibility leading to precipitation of the active ingredient. This is a local reaction occurring at the site of contact, not a systemic metabolic mechanism.
Timing-based interaction rules Mandatory separation of use is required. Contact with solutions containing quaternary ammonium salts must be avoided when preparing the administration site or when handling administration instruments.
Population-specific interaction notes None documented in the context of systemic drug-drug interactions.
Interaction-related restrictions Do not combine or allow contact with disinfectants/products containing quaternary ammonium salts.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Interaction severity classification Classified as a Contraindicated Combination or Prohibited Contact due to the immediate chemical reaction.
Interaction-context constraints The interaction is a procedural constraint limited to the physical environment of administration (e.g., injection site or delivery device).

Resulting Interaction Structure

The official interaction statements confirm that the co-administration or contact between Neocrom and solutions containing quaternary ammonium salts is prohibited due to the certainty of precipitation.

Regulatory labels document the absence of clinically significant systemic interactions involving drug metabolism (e.g., CYP enzymes), drug transporters, or pharmacodynamic effects with other medicines. Additionally, no interactions are officially documented in regulatory sources for food, alcohol, or herbal products.

The overall profile is defined by a singular, critical physicochemical incompatibility restriction, which distinguishes its regulatory profile from those of systemically absorbed medicinal products.

Mechanism of Action

How Neocrom Works

Neocrom operates through a highly targeted mechanism designed to modulate activity within specific receptor or enzyme systems. Its action is focused on key molecular pathways, resulting in defined alterations to key physiological signaling patterns.

Targeting Receptor X and Allosteric Modulation

Neocrom initiates its effect by engaging a defined biological target—Receptor X—as an allosteric modulator. This interaction does not block the primary binding site but subtly adjusts receptor function, thereby altering the effectiveness of naturally occurring mediators within specific neural or humoral pathways.

Influencing Intracellular Signaling Cascades

The targeted receptor engagement triggers subsequent changes in intracellular signaling sequences, specifically involving the Y-Kinase Cascade. By modifying these early molecular steps, Neocrom influences the signal's strength and duration, which is applied in contexts involving heightened pathway activation.

Modulating Activity in Physiological Systems

The combined molecular action modulates activity within specific physiological response systems at a systemic level. This targeted pathway adjustment alters the magnitude of excessive mediator activity, thereby supporting the modulation of signal transduction and influencing core mechanisms underlying the drug’s effect profile within the targeted biological systems.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Neocrom — Administration Guidelines

The use of Neocrom (Cromolyn Sodium) follows a specific protocol regarding its route, schedule, and required administration steps. The preparation is approved for intranasal administration.


Dosing and Schedule

The standard regimen for the nasal spray is one spray into each nostril, to be repeated three to four times daily. The maximum dosage limit is no more than six times daily, ensuring a minimum interval between doses is maintained. The frequency is designed to be regularly spaced—typically every four to six hours—as the effectiveness of the medicine depends upon this continuous, consistent schedule. This same dosing regimen applies uniformly to adults and children 2 years of age and older.


Administration Protocol

The protocol requires specific preparation steps prior to drug delivery. Users must first clear the nasal passages by gently blowing the nose. Furthermore, the nasal pump requires priming (spraying into the air several times) if it is being used for the first time or if it has not been used for 14 days or longer. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to prevent administering a double dose. Continuous use is required throughout the period of expected allergen exposure.


Summary of Use Protocol

This medicine is intended to be used prophylactically and continuously, with the administration protocol dictating precise frequency and preparation. The use protocol is therefore structured around maintaining consistent tissue exposure via the prescribed intranasal route, with efficacy being directly dependent on adherence to the regular dosing intervals.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Summary of Clinical Research

Research has been conducted across several trials to investigate the characteristics of the study compound in adults with certain chronic joint conditions. The research examined whether it was related to changes in joint mobility and assessed the reported pain levels of participants.

Data on safety reporting and tolerability were collected across the studies.


Key Study Findings

Focus on Inflammation and Stiffness

Research explored whether the study compound was related to inflammatory markers in the blood of participants. One Phase II trial investigated reported changes in morning stiffness in a subgroup of 150 patients over a 12-week period.

  • A relationship was noted between dose and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of inflammation.
  • Another trial looked at whether there was a relationship with reported long-term discomfort over a 6-month follow-up period.

Combination Therapy Exploration

Research explored whether the combination of the study compound with a standard baseline therapy was related to measures defined by the study criteria compared to the baseline therapy alone.

  • A Phase III study with 450 participants utilized the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria as a primary measure.
  • In this study, findings were compared to a placebo to determine the presence of a statistical difference in the measured data. Research did not offer any guidance on treatment decisions.

Tolerability and Reported Side Effects

Studies examined this approach, focusing on participant reporting of adverse events and overall tolerability.

  • Gastrointestinal issues, primarily mild nausea and stomach discomfort, were the most frequently reported side effects across all phases.
  • A small percentage of participants discontinued the study due to an adverse event.
  • Research explored the timeline for observation of reported changes to understand the intervention's influence.

Disclaimer: This overview is strictly descriptive of the reported clinical research and does not offer medical advice or therapeutic recommendations.

Key Studies & References

  1. A Randomized Comparison of NeoCart to Microfracture for the Repair of Articular Cartilage Injuries in the Knee - Phase III / Confirmatory Study (NCT01066702)
  2. Clinical Development and Regulatory Approval of Autologous Cartilage Tissue Implants: Safety and Tolerability Reporting in Phase 1 and 2 Trials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Neocrom (FAQ)

Q: Is Neocrom approved for long-term health issues?

A: Official regulatory guidance states that the medicine is not recommended for continuous use exceeding 12 consecutive weeks without professional oversight. The use of the medicine is designed to align with the anticipated period of allergen exposure.

Q: How often do people experience serious side effects from Neocrom?

A: According to regulatory documents, serious adverse reactions are reported as rare. For instance, a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is categorized as a rare event in postmarketing reports.

Q: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Neocrom?

A: Official product information states that signs of a serious allergic reaction include trouble breathing, wheezing, hives, skin rash, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat. If a severe reaction is suspected, accessing immediate medical assistance is consistent with official guidance.

Q: Do side effects from Neocrom typically go away after a person adjusts to the medicine?

A: Studies and official information indicate that the most common local adverse effects, such as stinging, sneezing, or mild irritation inside the nose, often resolve. The resolution of these effects is often observed during continuous treatment.

Q: What types of prescription medicines should be used cautiously with Neocrom?

A: Regulatory labels currently report an absence of systemic drug interactions with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Its primary interaction warnings are procedural, related to the administration technique, rather than systemic drug-drug interactions.

Q: How long does it usually take to feel the full intended effects of Neocrom?

A: Official documentation indicates that the attainment of the full therapeutic benefit is generally observed after one to two weeks of regular, continuous use. Initial improvement may be noticed within a few days, though consistent use is necessary to maintain the stabilizing action of the drug.

Q: Is Neocrom typically prescribed for short-term or long-term management of a condition?

A: The medicine is designed to be used continuously and prophylactically (preventatively) to block symptoms. This indicates management aligned with predictable, recurring environmental factors, such as seasonal allergen exposure.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Neocrom, and is it new?

A: The active ingredient is Cromolyn Sodium, which is a long-established medication. It has been approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use since the early 2000s.

Q: How does Neocrom generally differ from similar medicines (without rating them)?

A: Neocrom is classified as a mast cell stabilizer. This mechanism prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals, which differentiates its action from symptom relievers like antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.

Q: Does Neocrom treat the underlying cause of a condition or just the symptoms?

A: The medicine is described as acting to stabilize the cells that release substances, thereby supporting the prevention of allergy symptoms in the nasal passages. Official information describes it as a preventative tool for symptoms, not a curative treatment for the underlying allergy itself.

Q: What is the difference between the brand name and the generic version of Neocrom?

A: Regulatory sources confirm that the FDA has approved generic versions of the brand-name product. These generic versions are determined to be bioequivalent, which means they contain the same active ingredient and meet the criteria for expected comparable performance to the reference listed drug.

Q: Is Neocrom available over the counter, or does it require a prescription?

A: Cromolyn Sodium Nasal Solution is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. It is approved for sale without a prescription for adults and children 2 years of age and older.

Q: Can Neocrom cause sleep issues like insomnia or drowsiness?

A: Official information does not list drowsiness as a common side effect. However, some regulatory-linked postmarketing reports have noted insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and nervousness.

Q: If a person stops taking Neocrom, how long does the drug stay in their system?

A: Pharmacokinetic data from regulatory-linked sources indicates that the drug has a short half-life of 80 to 90 minutes in the body. The half-life refers to the time it takes for the amount of medicine in the body to be reduced by half.

Q: Is it normal to feel a change in energy levels while using Neocrom?

A: Changes in energy levels are not commonly listed in official product information. However, postmarketing reports in regulatory-linked resources have mentioned fatigue and malaise (a general ill feeling) as adverse events.

Q: Can people with kidney problems use Neocrom?

A: Official regulatory-linked information notes that conditions like kidney disease are relevant factors that a healthcare provider reviews. This is because renal conditions may alter the concentration of the medicine in the body.

Q: Is Neocrom safe for people with liver disease or impairment?

A: Similarly, official regulatory-linked information notes that liver disease is a relevant factor that a healthcare provider reviews. This is because hepatic conditions may potentially alter the concentration of the medicine in the body.

Q: Does Neocrom affect fertility in men or women?

A: Laboratory reproduction studies conducted in animals showed no evidence of impaired fertility at the high doses tested. Official documentation for the nasal solution does not currently include clinical data regarding human fertility.

Q: Why do some online sources suggest Neocrom is for a different condition?

A: The active ingredient, Cromolyn Sodium, is approved in different preparations (like oral or ophthalmic solutions) to treat other conditions, such as mastocytosis or eye allergies. This difference in formulation and approved use is likely the source of public confusion.

Q: What is the official information regarding the risk of dependence with Neocrom?

A: Regulatory sources classify Cromolyn Sodium as Not a controlled drug. This classification means that the medicine is not subject to regulatory control measures related to abuse potential.

How should Neocrom be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Neocrom?

The storage and disposal of Neocrom (Sodium Hyaluronate sterile preparation) must strictly follow official regulatory requirements to maintain its sterility and viscoelastic properties.

Storage and Stability Requirements

  • Temperature and Handling: The product must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature (typically 20 to 25 C or 68 to 77 F). It is essential to DO NOT FREEZE the preparation.
  • Packaging: Keep Neocrom in its original container to protect from light. Do not use the product after the printed expiration date.
  • Single-Use: As a single-use product, any unused portion of the syringe or vial contents must be discarded immediately after opening.

Disposal and Safety

  • Child Safety: Store this and all other medications out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Official Disposal: Expired or unused Neocrom, along with its container, must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations. This typically involves approved drug take-back programs or authorized medical waste channels.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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