How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, sodium cromoglicate and salbutamol. Sodium cromoglicate reduces inflammation in the lungs, while salbutamol opens the airways. Sodium cromoglicate prevents tissues becoming inflamed when an allergic reaction occurs. It is not fully understood how it 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, it helps prevent breathing difficulties or asthma attacks. Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called short-acting beta 2 agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open. By directly opening the airways, salbutamol makes it easier to breathe. This combination of medicines is used to treat asthma in people who have been taking regular sodium cromoglicate and salbutamol. The combination product is aimed to simplify treatment and must be taken regularly to prevent attacks. It should not be used to relieve attacks. The medicine combination 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!

Inhalers may cause an unexpected increase in wheezing (paradoxical bronchospasm) straight after using them. If this happens, stop using the inhaler immediately and consult your doctor. The medicine should be stopped and an alternative treatment found.

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.

Blood potassium levels should be monitored in people with severe asthma, as low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) and various asthma medicines, including this one, can lower blood potassium.

Consult your doctor if you experience breakthrough wheezing regularly, or if this medicine becomes less effective at controlling your asthma.

Use with caution in

Angina pectoris

Heart failure

High blood pressure

Hyperthyroidism

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Not to be used in

Children

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, particularly in the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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.

Muscle cramps

Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Cough

Throat irritation

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Headache

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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