This medication is used to prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. It is generally used with other medications by 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. If you use this medication you may not need to use other asthma drugs (such as corticosteroids) as often.

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

This medication must be used regularly to prevent asthma symptoms. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. 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. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask 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 well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for a while. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. 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.

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

Inhale this medication by mouth, usually 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.

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.

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 asking your doctor. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor may lower your dose once the medication starts to work. 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 use any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, or worsening peak flow meter readings. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.

Dry/irritated throat, a bad taste in the mouth, coughing, stuffy nose, tearing, headache, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell 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/frequent urination, joint swelling/pain, swollen glands around the cheek (parotid gland), muscle weakness, 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 rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 using cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems (such as coronary heart disease, irregular heartbeats).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor or pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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, increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Avoid substances that can worsen breathing problems by causing irritation or allergic reaction, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold.

Because the flu virus can worsen breathing problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have a flu shot every year.

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). Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame. Keep all medications 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 information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.