For this reason, most students are advised to use this medication at low doses for no longer than several weeks. Cromolyn sodium inhibits the body's release of histamine after you have been exposed to an antigen, which can lessen or stop the allergic response. If you have a pollen-like allergy, you would take this drug before and during the time of exposure. The most effective way to take this medication if you have a pollen, dust or mold allergy is to take it around the clock. If you are allergic to a substance that you are exposed to occasionally, you would only take this medication prior to exposure.
Side effects are minimal.
Unfortunately, not everyone is helped by this medication. Immunotherapy or allergy shots are also used in cases of allergic rhinitis. It is effective only when a specific antigen can be identified. Some ragweed and pollen allergies respond well to this treatment. Since you are allergic to the substance injected, you may experience severe allergic responses.