|
Action
Cromolyn is an anti-inflammatory medicine that prevents airways from swelling when they come in contact with an asthma trigger.
How It Is Prescribed
Cromolyn comes in three forms:
- A metered dose inhaler
- Liquid that is used in a nebulizer
- A powder-filled capsule that is inhaled by using a device called a dry powder inhaler
Cromolyn can be used in two ways:
- To prevent symptoms of asthma, it should be taken every day.
- To prevent symptoms of asthma that occur with exercise or contact with an asthma trigger (such as an animal), it can be taken 5 to 60 minutes before contact. The effects of the medicine last for 3 or 4 hours.
Side Effects
Cromolyn is safe to use in the treatment of asthma. The only side effect is a dry cough. You can avoid this side effect by rinsing your mouth and drinking a few sips of water after taking it.
Notes
Cromolyn cannot be used to stop an asthma episode once it has started.
Cromolyn can only be used to keep an episode from starting.
Cromolyn does not work for every patient. It may take up to 6 weeks for the medicine to take effect.
If use an inhaled beta2-agonist and cromolyn, take the beta2-agonist first.
If you forget to take your cromolyn on time, take it as soon as you remember. Talk to your doctor about how to get back on your normal schedule.
(Text compiled by Virginia Thomas, CRNP)
|