This medication is used to prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It is generally used with other medications in patients who have symptoms at least twice weekly (mild persistent asthma). It is also used to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by exercise, cold/dry/polluted air, or allergens such as pollen. Controlling breathing problems may decrease time lost from work or school. This medication may possibly help to decrease the use of other asthma drugs (e.g., corticosteroids).

Cromolyn belongs to a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing release of certain natural chemicals (histamines) that may cause swelling of the airways and breathing problems.

This medication must be used regularly to prevent the wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma.

This medication does not work immediately. Therefore, it is not used to relieve an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using cromolyn and each time you get a refill. Read the directions provided by the manufacturer on the correct use of this device. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Make sure the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit. Use the mouthpiece supplied with this medication. Shake the canister gently before using. Before using each canister for the first time, prime it by pressing once on top of the canister. Avoid spraying in the eyes.

Hold the inhaler and breathe out as much as you comfortably can. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth, close your lips around it, and tilt your head back. While breathing in deeply and slowly, press the top of the inhaler with your index finger. Remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for several seconds, and then breathe out slowly.

Inhale this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 4 times daily at regular intervals or as directed by your doctor. If more than one inhalation of this medication is prescribed, wait at least one minute between them.

Replace the mouthpiece cover when done. Clean the mouthpiece periodically as described in the instructions.

If you are using this medication to prevent breathing problems related to exercise, cold/dry air, or allergens, use it within 10 to 15 minutes, but not more than 60 minutes, before exposure.

Keep track of the number of inhalations you use and discard the canister when you reach the number specified on the package.

If you are using other inhaled medications, ask your doctor when to use each of the medications and in what order you should use them.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. This medication works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently, or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Your doctor may lower your dose once you have had a response to the medication. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

It may take up to 4 weeks before you experience improvement in your symptoms from this medication.

If you notice less effect than usual from this medication, if your symptoms get worse, and/or you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.

Dry/irritated throat, a bad taste in the mouth, coughing, stuffy nose, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, painful urination, joint swelling/pain, swollen glands (lymph nodes), muscle weakness/pain, heartburn.

Infrequently, this medication may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems (e.g., coronary heart disease, arrhythmias).

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not share this medication with others.

Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Avoid allergens, irritants, smoking/secondhand smoke, and other factors that make asthma worse.

Most people with asthma or ongoing lung disease should receive a flu shot annually. Discuss with your doctor.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not use near heat or open flame. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.