Examples
Cromolyn is used with a metered-dose
inhaler or a
nebulizer. Inhalers may be used differently, depending
on the medicine used. Always consult the directions to be sure you are using
the inhaler correctly.
How It Works
Mast cells are found throughout the
body, including in the airways in the lungs. They can release substances that
result in inflammation, causing the symptoms of
asthma. Mast cell stabilizers prevent the mast cells
from releasing the substances that cause inflammation. This may reduce asthma
symptoms.
Why It Is Used
Cromolyn may be used to treat
mild persistent asthma. It also can be used to prevent
asthma symptoms during exercise and before exposure to a substance that may
trigger an
asthma attack. Mast cell stabilizers are not as
effective as inhaled
corticosteroids, which are now the recommended
treatment.1
Different types of medicines
are often used together in the treatment of asthma. Medicine treatment for
asthma depends on a person’s age, his or her type of asthma, and how well the
treatment is controlling asthma symptoms.
- Children up to age 4 are usually treated a
little differently than those 5 to 11 years old.
- The least amount
of medicine that controls the asthma symptoms is used.
- The amount
of medicine and number of medicines are increased in steps. So if asthma is not
controlled at a low dose of one controller medicine, the dose may be increased.
Or another medicine may be added.
- If the asthma has been under
control for several months at a certain dose of medicine, the dose may be
reduced. This can help find the least amount of medicine that will control the
asthma.
- Quick-relief medicine is used to treat asthma attacks. But
if you or your child needs to use quick-relief medicine a lot, the amount and
number of controller medicines may be changed.
Your doctor will work with you to help find the number and
dose of medicines that work best.
How Well It Works
Cromolyn reduces asthma symptoms,
improves morning
peak expiratory flow, and decreases the need for
short-acting beta2-agonists.1 But it is not as
effective as inhaled corticosteroids.1
Side Effects
Cromolyn has few side effects, making it
a reasonable choice for long-term treatment. Throat irritation and coughing or
skin rashes sometimes can occur with cromolyn treatment. Cromolyn also may
cause nausea, vomiting, fullness after eating, heartburn, or abdominal
pain.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Mast cell stabilizers usually do
not relieve symptoms in people who have
moderate to severe persistent asthma. They are not
used to treat
asthma attacks.
Cromolyn has been
approved for use in children age 5 and older. It must be inhaled 3 or 4 times a
day and may take longer than 2 weeks to take effect.
Sometimes
doctors recommend the use of a
spacer with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The spacer
is attached to the MDI. A spacer may deliver the medicine to your lungs better
than an inhaler alone. And for many people it is easier to use than an MDI
alone.
Try to avoid giving your child an inhaled medicine when he
or she is crying, because not as much medicine is delivered to the
lungs.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- National Institutes of Health (2007). National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (NIH
Publication No. 08–5846). Available online:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm.