Your doctor knows that, besides relieving an attack when it happens, it is also important to prevent attacks from occurring in the first place. Therefore, he or she has prescribed for you cromolyn sodium, a medicine that prevents asthma attacks by making airways less sensitive to asthma triggers. It works by stabilizing cells in the airway lining called mast cells. During an asthma attack, these cells become unstable and give off chemicals called mediators that cause inflammation and asthma attacks. By preventing mediator release, cromolyn sodium works to prevent asthma attacks. Bronchodilators When someone is having an asthma attack, he or she needs a medicine called a bronchodilator to open up (dilate) the blocked airways in order to relieve asthma attacks. Your doctor may have already prescribed this medicine for you to use at that time. HOW WILL CROMOLYN SODIUM WORK FOR YOU? To get the best possible results, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when you first take cromolyn sodium. Your doctor may tell you to take cromolyn sodium 10 to 15 minutes before you exercise or come into contact with a specific trigger, such as a cat. Usually, however, you will be told to take cromolyn sodium on a regular basis, probably starting at four times a day. It is crucial that you take cromolyn sodium, regularly, as often as your doctor recommends, even though you have no asthma symptoms at the time. Cromolyn sodium starts working right away but when you first begin taking it, you may have a lot of inflammation in your airways. Therefore, it may take up to two weeks (or perhaps one month) of regular treatment to bring your asthma under control. Do not stop taking cromolyn sodium or skip any doses without first talking with your doctor. When you start using cromolyn sodium for the first time, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary showing when you have any symptoms, if and when you have trouble sleeping, how often you wheeze or cough, and other notes to help determine how effective cromolyn sodium will be to help you prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor may also recommend the use of a peak flow meter daily to help you better assess your progress. While taking cromolyn sodium on a regular basis, you may need to take a bronchodilator-type medicine to treat occasional symptoms or attacks. While taking cromolyn sodium, you should continue taking your other medications until your doctor advises you otherwise. HOW TO TAKE CROMOLYN SODIUM Be sure to follow instructions carefully when you are shown how to take cromolyn sodium inhalation solution. CARE AND STORAGE Cromolyn sodium nebulizer solution should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Retain in foil pouch until time of use. PROTECT FROM LIGHT. Do not use if it contains a precipitate (particles or cloudiness) or becomes discolored. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. NOTE: In case of difficulty consult your doctor or pharmacist |