cromolyn sodium inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

cromolyn sodium inhalation

Brand name(s):

cromolyn, Intal, Intal Inhaler

What is the most important information I should know about cromolyn sodium inhalation?

Cromolyn sodium inhalation will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. It is used to prevent attacks.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much may cause serious side effects.

Use cromolyn sodium inhalation on a regular basis for best results. It may be several weeks before you see the effects.

It is very important that you use your cromolyn sodium inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of an asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is cromolyn sodium inhalation?

Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium is used as an inhalant to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions involving inflammation of the lung tissues.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cromolyn sodium inhalation?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or any other serious illness. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with cromolyn sodium inhalation.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use cromolyn sodium inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into breast milk. Do not use cromolyn sodium inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use cromolyn sodium inhalation?

Use cromolyn sodium inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your inhaler. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (Maxair), or bitolterol (Tornalate), use the bronchodilator first, then use cromolyn sodium inhalation. Using the medications in this order will allow more cromolyn sodium to reach your lungs.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler one to two inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for ten seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place your inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use your inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

If you take more than one puff with each dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute after each puff, then repeat the procedure.

Use cromolyn sodium inhalation 15 to 30 minutes (but no more than 60 minutes) before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

It is very important that you use your cromolyn sodium inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may take a few weeks to see the effects of cromolyn sodium inhalation. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation will not stop an attack after it has started and should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat attacks.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of an asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed for you. Cromolyn sodium inhalation is not a substitute for an oral steroid.

Rinse the inhaler in warm water as often as once a day to keep it clean and unclogged.

Store cromolyn sodium inhalation at room temperature away from moisture and heat.