Cromolyn sodium (inhalation)

Cromolyn sodium helps stop the release of substances in the body that lead to inflammation.

Cromolyn sodium (inhalation) is used to prevent bronchial asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Cromolyn sodium (inhalation) is also used to prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise or exposure to cold dry air, chemicals, or environmental pollutants or allergens (such as animal dander or chemicals used in manufacturing).

Cromolyn sodium (inhalation) may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use cromolyn sodium if you are allergic to cromolyn sodium.

To ensure cromolyn sodium inhalation is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;
• coronary artery disease;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether cromolyn sodium inhalation passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cromolyn sodium inhalation is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cromolyn sodium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• worsening asthma symptoms; or
• coughing, wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using cromolyn sodium.

Common side effects of cromolyn sodium may include:

• sneezing, stuffy nose;
• cough; or
• mild wheezing.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Cromolyn sodium is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.

To use the solution with a nebulizer:

• Break open the ampule and empty the medicine into the chamber of the nebulizer. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask, then attach the drug chamber to the compressor.
• Sit upright in a comfortable position. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth or put on the face mask, covering your nose and mouth. Turn on the compressor.
• Breathe in slowly and evenly until no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
• Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning directions that came with your nebulizer.

Do not swallow this medicine.

To prevent bronchial asthma attacks, cromolyn sodium inhalation is usually given 4 times daily.

To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise or environmental factors, use the medicine 10 to 15 minutes before exercise or exposure.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of using cromolyn sodium.

You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with asthma should remain under the care of a doctor.

If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using it suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about tapering your steroid dose before stopping completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep each ampule in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.

Do not use cromolyn sodium if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not combine cromolyn sodium (inhalation) with other medicines in your nebulizer.

Avoid spraying the inhaler into your face or getting the medicine in your eyes.

Other drugs may interact with cromolyn sodium, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or discontinue.