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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.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of cromolyn sodium inhalation?

Serious side effects from cromolyn sodium inhalation are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to use cromolyn sodium inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dry mouth, nose, or throat after use;

• coughing or throat irritation;

• hoarseness or deepening of the voice;

• wheezing;

• increased pressure in the eyes, glaucoma, or tearing of the eyes;

• headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;

• unpleasant (or loss of) taste or smell;

• nausea;

• joint swelling or pain;

• stuffy nose; or

• rash or itching.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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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.

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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.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

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What other drugs will affect cromolyn sodium inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs you are taking to treat asthma or any other medical condition, so that your medicines can be monitored for interactions. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cromolyn sodium inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Cromolyn has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies using doses up to 338 times the normal human dose have revealed no evidence of teratogenicity. There are no controlled data in human pregnancies; however, data available suggest cromolyn use in human pregnancy is not associated with fetal toxicity or teratogenicity. Cromolyn is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Evaluation of 296 women treated with cromolyn throughout pregnancy revealed 4 newborns with congenital malformations (1.35%), which is lower than the expected rate. The malformations included club foot, harelip, nonfused septum, and patent ductus arteriosus.

There are no data on the excretion of cromolyn into human milk.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium or any ingredient in the formulations.

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What does my medication look like?
Cromolyn sodium inhalation is available with a prescription under the brand name Intal as an aerosol and as a solution for nebulization. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Intal 800 micrograms (mcg) per inhalation--white plastic container with a blue mouthpiece cover

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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center.

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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.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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