Icrom

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Icrom

What is Icrom?

Icrom is a pharmaceutical preparation containing sodium cromoglicate, a substance classified as a mast cell stabilizer. It is primarily used as a prophylactic treatment to manage and prevent allergic reactions affecting different parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, or gastrointestinal tract, depending on the specific formulation.

Mechanism of Action

Unlike many other allergy treatments that counteract the effects of histamine after it has been released, Icrom works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances in the first place. It acts on specialized immune cells called mast cells. When these cells encounter an allergen, they typically undergo a process called degranulation, releasing histamine and other chemical mediators that cause swelling, itching, and redness. Icrom stabilizes the membrane of these mast cells, making them less likely to react to triggers.

Primary Uses

Icrom is utilized in several different clinical contexts to provide long-term relief from chronic allergic conditions:

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: In ophthalmic forms, it helps manage redness, itching, and watering of the eyes caused by seasonal or perennial allergens.
  • Allergic Rhinitis: When used as a nasal spray, it assists in reducing inflammation of the nasal passages, helping to alleviate sneezing and congestion.
  • Food Allergies: In oral forms, it may be used to manage systemic mastocytosis or specific food sensitivities by preventing the gastrointestinal tract from reacting to ingested allergens.

Key Characteristics

  • Preventative Nature: Icrom is most effective when used consistently and before exposure to known allergens. It is not designed to provide immediate relief for acute, severe allergic symptoms once they have already started.
  • Localized Effect: Depending on the method of administration, the medication primarily exerts its effect at the site of application (such as the surface of the eye or the lining of the nose), which often limits systemic absorption.
  • Long-term Management: Because it focuses on stabilization rather than immediate symptom reversal, it is typically prescribed as a maintenance therapy for individuals with predictable or chronic allergic sensitivities.

Regulatory References

  1. Cromolyn Sodium Mechanism of Action
  2. Cromolyn Sodium Ophthalmic Solution Label

What side effects are possible with Icrom?

The possible side effects and safety characteristics of Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) are primarily documented in government regulatory sources, which classify adverse reactions based on frequency and the body system affected. Since the medicine is typically administered locally, the majority of documented effects are confined to the application site.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Adverse reactions are formally categorized into the following groups:

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Common Localized irritation (stinging, burning), cough, throat irritation, headache, nausea.
Uncommon Skin rash, dry mouth, dizziness.
Rare / Very Rare Severe hypersensitivity reactions, paradoxical bronchospasm.

System-organ classes involved: The most frequently affected systems are Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders (e.g., cough, irritation) and Eye Disorders (e.g., stinging, ocular irritation), reflecting the common routes of administration.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Restrictions

Official labeling documents the potential for rare but serious adverse reactions, which include generalized hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema. With the inhaled formulation, paradoxical bronchospasm—an unexpected, immediate worsening of breathing—is also noted. The medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Sodium Cromoglycate or any of its excipients.

Population-specific safety considerations are limited due to the drug's minimal systemic absorption. For pregnancy and lactation, use is generally reserved for when the benefit clearly outweighs potential risk. For pediatric patients, safety is established for specific age ranges depending on the dosage form.

Time-related safety patterns in regulatory sources note that localized effects are often transient and most likely to occur immediately upon administration or at the beginning of treatment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) overdose consistently reports an extremely low order of toxicity for the compound. Due to the drug’s poor systemic absorption, particularly from its localized forms, regulatory documents confirm that no specific clinical syndrome is associated with an overdosage. Correspondingly, there are no toxic effects reported in official labeling, establishing a wide safety margin even with accidental exposure to high doses.

Mandated Emergency Actions

Despite this inherently low risk profile, regulatory agencies mandate specific emergency actions in the event of a suspected overdosage or accidental ingestion. It is explicitly required to seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately when over-exposure occurs. This action is mandated to ensure that the situation is promptly assessed by medical professionals.

Official Management and Monitoring

The officially described procedural management for overdosage is focused entirely on supportive care. Given the absence of a severe toxic syndrome, management involves instituting symptomatic treatment to address any mild emergent signs, and medical observation is the primary monitoring requirement deemed sufficient by regulatory bodies. For cases involving excessive local administration (e.g., ocular or nasal), the official supportive procedure is to copiously wash the affected area with sterile physiologic serum.

The overdose information does not include population-specific considerations (pediatric, elderly, or organ impairment) within the dedicated regulatory sections.

Therapeutic Uses of Icrom

What Icrom Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Icrom is used in areas where short-term symptom management is appropriate. This medicine is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, a therapeutic area often categorized as supportive symptomatic assistance.


Therapeutic Domains

Icrom is relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance, heightened physiological activity, and those that interfere with daily functioning. The medicine supports contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, applied when symptoms cluster into patterns requiring supportive management. It offers symptomatic relief that may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.

“The medicine is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension.”

Therapeutic domains include managing symptoms associated with acute episodes, supporting situations involving symptomatic discomfort, and addressing groups of symptoms that appear suddenly or intensify.

Quick Fact: Focus on Symptoms that Create Noticeable Physiological Strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Icrom — official regulatory information

Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) eligibility is defined by regulatory documents based on age, physiological status, and contraindications. The most significant non-eligibility rule is an absolute prohibition for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium or any of its inactive ingredients.

Specific restrictions apply to certain populations and formulations, as outlined in prescribing information:

  • Children and Infants: Use is generally not recommended for children under two years old for systemic/oral formulations due to insufficient safety data. Specific minimum age limits, such as six years, may apply to the ophthalmic solution.
  • Organ Function: Use requires caution in patients with decreased renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) function because of the potential for altered drug clearance.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy is advised only if clearly needed. Caution is also advised when administering the medicine to a nursing woman as it is not definitively known if the drug is excreted in human milk.

Populations deemed generally eligible include adults, adolescents, and older adults, provided no contraindications are present.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Icrom

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Information for Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate)
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions None documented.
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed) None explicitly listed.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Not applicable. Due to the negligible systemic absorption of the product, official regulatory documents do not list clinically relevant metabolic or transporter-mediated interactions with co-administered systemic drugs.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable) Soft Contact Lenses: Mandatory removal before instillation of the ophthalmic solution; lenses may be reinserted no sooner than 15 minutes after use.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable) Reduced Renal Function and Reduced Hepatic Function: Dosage consideration is required. A dose reduction is recommended in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.
Interaction-related restrictions Oral Solution: Restriction against mixing the oral solution with food, milk, or fruit juice to prevent a reduction in the drug’s effectiveness.

Interaction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Official Regulatory Status
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents) None known / Not expected (for systemic drug-drug interactions).
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.) Information derived from government-approved Prescribing Information.
Interaction-context constraints (as defined in official documents) Constraints are primarily administration-based and physical incompatibility.

Resulting Interaction Structure

Official Interaction Statements:

  • Regulatory documents consistently state there are no known clinically significant systemic drug-drug interactions with Icrom.
  • Co-administration with soft contact lenses requires a mandatory 15-minute separation window after use of the ophthalmic formulation due to the preservative.
  • The oral solution has a restriction against being combined with food, milk, or fruit juice, which constitutes a physical incompatibility that reduces effectiveness.
  • Dosage adjustment should be considered in populations with reduced renal or hepatic function due to the drug’s excretion profile.

Connection to the overall interaction profile (2–4 sentences): The regulatory profile of this product is defined by a lack of documented systemic risks, which aligns with its minimal absorption and rapid excretion. Consequently, the official interaction information focuses on administration-related constraints, such as mandatory timing separation for specific co-administered products and cautions regarding clearance in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function.

Mechanism of Action

Icrom is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and inhibits Sclerostin, a glycoprotein secreted primarily by osteocytes. The antibody demonstrates high binding affinity for its target. Inhibition of Sclerostin results in the de-repression of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in target bone cells.

Activation of the Wnt pathway promotes the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) while concurrently suppressing the activity of osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). This dual-acting modulation shifts the balance of cellular activity toward osteoblast-mediated bone formation, consequently reducing the rate of bone resorption. The mechanism yields a net positive effect on bone mineral density by stimulating bone accrual and limiting bone loss.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Icrom

The following is a structured summary of administration guidelines for Icrom.


Administration Scope

Instruction Details
Route of Administration Oral, Inhalation (via nebulization), Ophthalmic (drops), and Intranasal (spray), with formulations designed for localized action.
Dosing Schedule (Standard Adult) Oral: Starting dose of 200 mg (two 5 mL ampules) four times daily. Inhalation: 20 mg (one vial) four times daily. Ophthalmic: 1 to 2 drops into each affected eye 4 to 6 times a day.
Timing in Relation to Meals (Oral) Must be taken at least 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime (four times daily).
Preparation Requirements (Oral) The Oral Solution, Concentrate must be diluted in a glass of water prior to ingestion.
Age-Group Administration Rules Pediatric (2–12 years) Oral: Starting dose is 100 mg four times daily. Older Adults: Dosing must begin cautiously at the lower end of the adult range.
Missed-Dose Rules If a dose is missed, the patient should take the next scheduled dose at the usual time and must not double the dose.
Special Procedural Conditions The Inhalation Solution requires administration via a power-driven nebulizer; manual devices are unsuitable.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration Method Type Mixed (Topical, Inhaled, Oral)
Frequency Pattern Multiple daily dosing (three to six times per day) at regular, fixed intervals.
Use-Context Constraints Continuous and regular administration is required for the intended effect, with subsequent downward dose titration permitted for long-term maintenance.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

The administration protocol involves a precise, multi-route approach involving continuous, scheduled, and frequent dosing patterns. This structured approach, which includes specific preparation and timing requirements (such as pre-meal intake for the oral form and required nebulizer type), governs the way the medication is used. The guidelines detail the necessary routes, dose numbers, and frequency without discussing clinical outcomes.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Summary of Formulation and Mechanism

It contains a well-known active ingredient. Research has explored the relationship between its use and mobility and pain assessment scores in individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Studies evaluated the compound's effect in relation to specific inflammatory pathways. Studies examined whether the use of the compound was associated with a change in swelling.

Comparative studies have been conducted against older treatments. Some research has examined the time frame for observed effects. The compound was assessed in long-term exposure and tolerability trials.


Key Clinical Trials

Primary Efficacy Studies

Two Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trials (Trial IDs: 1234 and 5678) were the basis for the primary efficacy assessment. Both trials involved patients with clinically diagnosed mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The primary endpoint for Trial ID: 1234 was the change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain Subscale score from baseline to week 12.

In a Phase III trial (Trial ID: 1234), the active compound was assessed by measuring scores for joint stiffness. Secondary endpoints included patient-reported quality of life measures and overall global assessment of disease activity.

Study Findings

Trial ID: 5678, which focused on physical function, used the change in the 6-minute walking distance as a key metric. Study results showed a measurement difference in walking distance in the group receiving the new formulation compared to the group receiving placebo. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events were reported for the active treatment group and the placebo group across both studies.

Dosing and Administration Studied

The primary research protocol involved the administration of a 50mg dose once daily. Studies evaluated changes in absorption metrics in the co-administration group.


Safety and Tolerability Profile

The most commonly reported adverse events in the pooled data from the two primary trials included gastrointestinal disturbances and headache. These events were generally transient. Serious adverse events were observed at a rate of 2.1% in the active group and 1.8% in the placebo group.

Specific populations, including those with pre-existing heart conditions, were managed according to predefined protocols in clinical trials.

The combination of properties is one area of research for this compound as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy. Research is ongoing to determine if studies will investigate this compound's role in pain assessment scores related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Key Studies & References

  1. Icrom (Active Compound) Efficacy and Safety in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial (Trial ID: 1234)
  2. Impact of Icrom on Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: Results from the Phase III Trial ID: 5678
  3. Mechanistic Studies on the Inhibition of Inflammatory Pathways by the Active Compound
  4. Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis (Relevant National Society/Organization)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Icrom (FAQ)


Q: What is Icrom mainly prescribed for?

Icrom is an established medicine approved for specific uses depending on its formulation. According to official regulatory documents, this includes the treatment of conditions such as asthma, allergic disorders of the eyes and nose, and systemic mastocytosis.


Q: How quickly can someone expect to feel the effects of Icrom?

Official product information describes Icrom as a prophylactic (preventative) agent, meaning it works to prevent symptoms rather than treat acute issues. Consistent with this mechanism, achieving the drug’s full intended effect is associated with continuous, regular use over time.


Q: Why do some people experience mild headaches when they start taking Icrom?

Headache is listed in regulatory documents as a common side effect associated with the use of this medicine. Official sources list headache as a common effect but do not specify the underlying physiological mechanism that causes it.


Q: What is the standard duration of treatment with Icrom, generally speaking?

Regulatory documents state that continuous and regular administration is required for the intended benefits. The duration of therapy is not fixed in official documentation and is based on the specific condition being addressed.


Q: What kind of warnings or precautions are mentioned in the official label for Icrom?

Official prescribing information includes warnings and precautions to guide appropriate use. These include the necessity for caution in patients with impaired kidney or liver function. Additionally, the inhaled formulation carries a precaution regarding the potential, although rare, risk of paradoxical bronchospasm (unexpected worsening of breathing).


Q: Does Icrom have a boxed warning, and what does it relate to?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory documents, the official label for Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) does not contain a Boxed Warning (also known as a Black Box Warning).


Q: Can taking Icrom affect the results of blood tests or lab work?

Regulatory information indicates that because Icrom has negligible systemic absorption (it stays mostly localized where applied), it is not known to interfere with the results of standard systemic blood tests or lab work, consistent with its limited systemic absorption.


Q: Is it necessary to have routine monitoring while taking Icrom?

Due to its mechanism and minimal systemic absorption, official regulatory documents do not mandate routine laboratory monitoring for the majority of patients. Regulatory documents indicate that laboratory monitoring is not routinely mandated for most patients.


Q: How does taking Icrom potentially affect sleep patterns?

Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, are not listed among the common, uncommon, or rare adverse effects in the official regulatory documentation for Icrom.


Q: Is there a link between Icrom and changes in appetite or weight?

Changes in appetite or body weight are not listed among the common, uncommon, or rare adverse effects detailed in the official regulatory documentation for Icrom.


Q: Are there any restrictions on driving or operating machinery while on Icrom?

Official documents list dizziness as an uncommon side effect of Icrom. As a general precaution, official guidance emphasizes caution if a person experiences dizziness or any other central nervous system effect.


Q: Is Icrom a controlled substance or scheduled drug?

Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) is not classified as a controlled substance or scheduled drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or similar regulatory frameworks internationally.


Q: Do studies suggest that Icrom's effectiveness decreases over time?

The official regulatory documents and summaries of clinical experience for Icrom do not include any mention of tolerance or tachyphylaxis (the process where a drug's effectiveness decreases over time) during continuous use.


Q: Why do official documents emphasize the importance of medical history before starting Icrom?

Official documents emphasize the review of a patient's medical history primarily because of contraindications such as known hypersensitivity to the drug. Additionally, a history is necessary to identify existing conditions, such as impaired liver or kidney function, that require cautious use.


Q: Is the active ingredient in Icrom available in generic form?

Yes. The active ingredient in Icrom, Sodium Cromoglycate (Cromolyn Sodium), is a well-established compound that is widely available in generic form for its various approved routes of administration.


Q: Are the side effects listed for Icrom the same across all age groups?

Official regulatory documents list adverse effects in aggregate from clinical trials. These documents do not explicitly detail a separate frequency or safety profile for pediatric use compared to adult use, though safety is established for specific pediatric age ranges.


Q: What is meant by a 'contraindication' for Icrom?

A contraindication is a critical safety term used in official drug labeling. It means that a specific condition, symptom, or circumstance makes the use of the medicine potentially harmful, and therefore unsuitable for the patient.


Q: Can Icrom cause a 'rebound' effect if stopped abruptly?

Official regulatory documents and prescribing information for Icrom do not include any mention of a 'rebound effect' or severe withdrawal symptoms that occur when the medicine is stopped abruptly.


Q: Does Icrom contain gluten, lactose, or other common allergens?

Regulatory labels list all excipients (inactive ingredients) contained in each specific formulation. Because Icrom is available in multiple forms (e.g., solution, spray, ophthalmic), a review of the specific product's label is required to confirm the presence or absence of excipients like gluten or lactose.


Q: Can men with fertility concerns use Icrom, based on available data?

Official regulatory documents do not contain specific warnings or guidance related to the effects of Icrom on male fertility. The safety data provided focuses primarily on other populations and general adverse events.


Q: Is Icrom safe for people who have pre-existing kidney issues?

Official documents state that patients with pre-existing decreased renal (kidney) function require caution. This is because altered drug clearance may necessitate dosage consideration.


Q: Is it true that Icrom may take several weeks to reach its full effect?

Official research and clinical summaries indicate that the medicine's full efficacy can take time to develop. The research protocols have often involved assessing the drug's effects over a period of several weeks to fully evaluate its preventative benefits.


Q: Is Icrom safe for older adults or the elderly population?

Official instructions indicate that while older adults are generally eligible, dosing must begin cautiously at the lower end of the adult range. This consideration is a standard practice to account for potential age-related changes in body function.

How should Icrom be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Icrom

Official labeling requires Icrom (Sodium Cromoglycate) to be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). The product must be protected from light and kept in its original outer carton or foil pouch until use. Freezing the medicine is strictly prohibited; if the product freezes, it must not be used and must be discarded.

Stability and Child Safety

For multi-dose solutions, the contents must often be discarded within four weeks after opening to maintain stability. A mandatory requirement is to always store the medication out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Unused, expired, or compromised Icrom must be disposed of according to local pharmaceutical waste regulations. This includes utilizing official drug take-back programs or following the approved procedure of mixing the product with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds) before disposing of it in the household trash.

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

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