Cromolyn Sodium Inhaler Benefits
A lot of patients who face recurrent attacks of asthma and other related lung diseases are prescribed cromolyn sodium inhaler. It is reported to be very effective when it comes to the prevention of the most typical symptoms of asthma, which include shortness of breath, wheezing, breathing difficulties etc.
These signs may seriously affect a patient’s condition and lead to health-threatening problems if overlooked and not treated in time. This drug is sometimes recommended to people who face the increased risk of bronchial spasms when exercising as well.
So, how does this remedy work? It blocks the release of inflammation-triggering agents in airways of patients’ lungs. As a result, these people feel better and find it easier to breathe. This drug comes in the form of an aerosol that should be inhaled orally three or four times daily.
In case you just intend to prevent the potential bronchial spasms caused by physical exercises, then you may use sodium cromoglycate in the recommended dose one hour before the activity. Keep in mind that this drug does not provide the immediate relief. It may take around four weeks to observe its effect. In case you do not feel better during this period, make your doctor aware of it.
Cromolyn Sodium Inhaler Instructions
There are specific health problems your doctor should be aware of when prescribing this treatment. In case you are allergic to the active ingredient of this medication or have even faced kidney or liver diseases, this information may help the physician recommend you a more suitable dose.
Despite of the fact that this drug is considered relatively safe, you should still follow the guidelines mentioned in your prescription label. This process may seem complicated for you if you use the medication for the first time. Actually, there is nothing difficult about this procedure. The only thing you should know is how to utilize it correctly. The following steps may help you succeed in this process.
Shaking the inhaler is the first action you should make. Then you should remove the safety cap and exhale through your nose as completely as you can. Do not open your mouth when doing that. After that you should place the mouthpiece approximately two inches from the widely-opened mouth and press down the container while taking a deep breath.
Do not exhale for up to ten seconds and then remove the mouthpiece. As soon as you do that, you may breathe out. The next puff (if necessary) should be taken not earlier than in 2 minutes to ensure a more efficient absorption of the drug. If there are any problems that may prevent the medication from getting into your lungs, you may use a special spacer, which should be attached to the inhaler.
Cromolyn Sodium Inhaler Side Effects
All medications may trigger side effects and cromolyn sodium is not an exception. Such complaints as headaches, unpleasant taste in the mouth, sore throat, stomach pain, stuffy nose, cough, burning or itching nasal passages, sneezing are commonly claimed by the patients. Though they are not dangerous for human health, you should still report them to your health care provider if they persist or worsen.
Some individuals pointed out the following disorders: wheezing, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, chest tightness etc. These health problems may prove to be quite serious if you fail to observe and treat them on time. That is why you should trace all changes you feel and get immediate help in case of emergency.
There is, however, a list of adverse reactions that are less severe than those mentioned above. It involves such conditions as irritated or dry throat, cough, drowsiness, dizziness, heartburn, nausea, nose bleeding, watery eyes, urination problems etc. Do not overlook these health complaints if they do not go away in a week or so.
Cromolyn Sodium Inhaler Dosage
Dosage recommendations are not the same for all patients. Effective management of asthma, for example, implies 2 metered inhalations taken at regular time intervals for adults and children aged five years old and more. Prophylaxis of bronchial spasms caused by physical exercises may require 2 metered inhalations 10-15 minutes before the work-out.
Your dosage may be adjusted if you have recently undergone a surgery or face certain diseases. However, it is only your doctor who can make such adjustment. If you have accidentally missed a dose, take it as soon as you realize that. In case it is high time for you to take the next scheduled dose, you may skip this step.
“Cromolyn sodium inhaler discontinued…” This is what the manufacturer of the drug has recently reported. This medication is no longer available in the US as well as in other countries of the world. That is why if you still use this medicine, you should contact your health care provider to find out more about alternative medications that have the same effect.
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Cromolyn Sodium has the following structural formula:
