Cromolyn is a chromone complex that acts as a mast cell stabilizer, preventing the release of histamine. Its mechanism of action is thought to involve an interference with the antigen-stimulated calcium transport across the mast cell membrane, thereby inhibiting mast cell release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances that cause hypersensitivity reactions.
Cromoglicic acid , cromolyn (USAN), cromoglycate (former BAN), or cromoglicate, is traditionally described as a mast cell stabilizer, and is commonly marketed as the sodium salt sodium cromoglicate or cromolyn sodium. This drug prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine from mast cells. Because of their convenience (and perceived safety), leukotriene receptor antagonists have largely replaced it as the non-corticosteroid treatment of choice in the treatment of asthma. Cromoglicic acid requires administration four times daily, and does not provide additive benefit in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.