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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Cromolyn

What are other names for this medication?

The trade names for this drug are Intal and Tilade.

What does this drug do?

Cromolyn helps prevent wheezing by making your child's airways not react as much to the triggers. Examples of triggers are pollens, exercise, and environmental pollutants.

Cromolyn is not a bronchodilator and therefore does not provide immediate relief for wheezing or an acute asthma attack.

How is it taken?

Cromolyn can be taken with a nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler (MDI), or Spinhaler.

What is the usual dosage?

Cromolyn is usually taken three to four times a day either by nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler (two puffs). Extra doses may be taken before exercise or exposure to allergens.

What side effects can this drug cause?

Dry mouth, cough, and irritation of the throat are rare side effects.

What special instructions should be followed?

To prevent symptoms of asthma, cromolyn should be taken daily and regularly. It should also be taken 15 minutes before exercise or allergen exposure.

Your child should take the medication as prescribed by the doctor.


Written by the Asthma Task Force at The Children's Hospital, Denver.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems