Cromolyn (Inhalation)

Brand Names : Intal, Intal Inhaler, Intal Syncroner, Novo-cromolyn, PMS-Sodium Cromoglycate, cromoglicic acid, cromoglycic acid, sodium cromoglicate, sodium cromoglycate

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cromolyn inhalation, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cromolyn or to any other inhalation aerosol medicine. Also, tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.

Pregnancy - Cromolyn has not been studied in pregnant women. However, when taken during pregnancy to control the mother's asthma, cromolyn has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in the baby. Studies in animals have shown that cromolyn causes a reduction in the number of successful pregnancies and a decrease in the weight of the animal fetus only when given by injection in very large amounts. Before taking this medication, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether cromolyn passes into the breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Although there is no specific information comparing the use of cromolyn in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. The inhalation solution form of this medicine should not be used in children younger than 2 years of age, and the inhalation aerosol should not be used in children younger than 5 years of age.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of cromolyn inhalation in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of cromolyn. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Heart disease or
• Irregular heartbeat - The propellants used to deliver the medicine in the aerosol inhaler may worsen these conditions