What is nedocromil inhalation?
Nedocromil is an anti-inflammatory medication. It works by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Nedocromil inhalation is used to prevent asthma attacks and other conditions involving inflammation of the lung tissues. Nedocromil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Back to Top
What are the possible side effects of nedocromil inhalation?
Serious side effects from nedocromil 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 be more likely to occur. Continue to use nedocromil
inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
a dry mouth,
-
an unpleasant taste, or
-
mild nausea after use.
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.
Back to Top
How should I use nedocromil inhalation?
Use the nedocromil inhaler 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 nedocromil inhalation. Using the medications in this order will allow more nedocromil to reach your lungs.
Back to Top
What is the most important information I should know about nedocromil inhalation?
Nedocromil 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 nedocromil inhalation on a regular basis for best results. It may be one week or longer before you obtain the maximum benefit of this medication. It is very important that you use your nedocromil 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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
What other drugs will affect nedocromil 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 nedocromil inhalation or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Back to Top
Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Nedocromil has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies using doses of 100 mg/kg/day subcutaneously have not revealed evidence of adverse fetal outcome. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Nedocromil is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
There are no data on the excretion of nedocromil into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering nedocromil to nursing women,
Back to Top
Who should NOT use this medication?
Known hypersensitivity to nedocromil or any ingredient in the formulation.
Back to Top
What does my medication look like?
Nedocromil is available with a prescription under the brand name Tilade. 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. Tilade 1.75 mg per inhalation--white plastic inhaler
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using nedocromil 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 nedocromil. Nedocromil is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use nedocromil inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether nedocromil passes into breast milk. Do not use nedocromil inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Where can I get more information?
More Information
Back to Top
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
