Drug Facts

Type of Drug:

Respiratory inhalant.

How the Cromolyn Sodium Works:

Cromolyn sodium is an antiasthmatic, antiallergic stabilizer of mast cells, which release histamine and slow-reacting substances of anaphylaxis. The decreased release of these and other chemicals assist in preventing constriction (narrowing) of the breathing airways in asthma and allergy attacks.

Uses of The Cromolyn Sodium:

Cromolyn Sodium and Intal: To prevent symptoms in the management of bronchial asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm (spasm of breathing airways in the lungs), and acute bronchospasm due to environmental pollution and known allergens (chemicals that may produce an asthmatic or allergic reaction).

Nasalcrom: To prevent or treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (eg, runny, itchy, stuffy nose; sneezing).

Unlabeled Uses: Oral use of cromolyn is being evaluated in patients with food allergies, eczema, ulcers, hives (chronic), and postexercise-induced bronchospasms.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if cromolyn appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness for use in children under 6 (nasal solution), 5 (aerosol), or 2 (nebulizer) years of age have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking cromolyn. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Isoproterenol interacts with this medicine.

Side Effects of Cromolyn Sodium:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Aerosol: Dizziness; dry or irritated throat; joint swelling and pain; painful or difficult urination; urinary frequency; hives; skin inflammation; excessive eye tearing; swollen parotid gland.

Nasal Solution: Nasal stinging; nasal burning; postnasal drip.

Nebulizer Solution: Drowsiness; serum sickness; stomach ache.

Other: Headache; nausea; cough; wheezing; nasal irritation; sneezing; nosebleed; bad taste in mouth; rash.

Guidelines for Use:

• Use exactly as prescribed.
• Not for the treatment of an existing asthma attack. Only use when an asthma attack is under control and you can breathe well.
• Notify your doctor if coughing, wheezing, or other unusual symptoms Occur.
• Blow your nose before administering the nasal solution. If congested, use a shortacting topical decongestant before the solution. Nasal solution may cause mild stinging or sneezing, but this rarely requires stop­ping therapy.
• Instructions for use of inhalation devices accompany each product.
• Use continuously. Effectiveness depends on regularity of use. Do not stop therapy suddenly. Consult your doctor before stopping the drug.
• To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm - Administer no longer than 1 hour before beginning exercise.
• If a dose is missed, inhale it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Improvement ordinarily occurs within the first 4 weeks of use. Improvement should be apparent by a decrease in the severity of symptoms and the need for other therapy (eg, oral steroids, inhaled bronchodilators).
• Long-term use is justified if cromolyn produces a significant reduction in frequency or severity of symptoms, permits reduction of doses Dr elimination of oral steroids, or improves management of patients experiencing intolerable side effects from other asthma drugs.
• If allergic rhinitis (eg, runny nose) is seasonal, continue treatment throughout exposure period. If it is year-round, continuous use may be necessary. Cromolyn use may decrease or eliminate the need for anti­histamines or decongestants.
• Store nebulizer solution, aerosol, and nasal solution at room temperature, away from light. Do not use nebulizer solution if it is discolored or contains particles. Do not puncture the aerosol container or store near heat, cold, or open flame. Keep away from children.