How does it work?

Sodium cromoglicate is an anti-inflammatory medicine that is not a corticosteroid. It prevents tissues becoming inflamed when an allergic reaction occurs. It is not fully understood how sodium cromoglicate prevents inflammation, but it is thought to work by preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals from cells called mast cells. Mast cells are cells in the immune system that become sensitised in response to foreign particles, or allergens. When this happens, they release chemicals, including histamine, that go on to cause inflammation as part of the body's allergic response. Allergic inflammation in the lungs is one of the causes of asthma. It causes mucus production and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe. As sodium cromoglicate reduces the inflammation in the lungs, it makes it easier to breathe and helps prevent asthma attacks. It should be used regularly, even when you have no asthmatic symptoms, to reduce the inflammation in the lungs. The medicine is taken using an inhaler device. Inhaling the medicine allows it to act directly in the lungs where it is needed most. It also reduces the potential for side effects occurring in other parts of the body, as the amount absorbed into the blood through the lungs is lower than if it is taken by mouth.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Warning!

This medicine should never be used to treat asthma attacks - you should keep your normal reliever inhaler, eg salbutamol or terbutaline, ready for this. Consult your doctor if you need to use your reliever more frequently than normal, or if it becomes less effective at treating attacks.

If you have also been prescribed a reliever inhaler to open the airways when you are breathless (eg salbutamol or terbutaline), it is recommended that you use it before this preventive medicine. This opens the airways and allows the full dose of preventive medicine to be inhaled into the lungs.

If it is necessary to stop treatment with this medicine, it should be withdrawn gradually over a period of one week, under supervision from your doctor. Symptoms of your asthma may recur. Discuss this with your doctor.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.

This medicine may very rarely make the airways narrow, causing shortness of breath (bronchospasm). If this happens, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk, however no problems are anticipated if the medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Cough

Itchy rash (urticaria)

Throat irritation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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