Cromolyn Sodium (cromolyn sodium)
Pulmonary Mast-Cell Stabilizer-Type Anti-Inflammatory Agents Inhalation Ampul For Nebulization (Ml); Oral Concentrate, Oral
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Cromolyn sodium has been described as a mast-cell stabilizer.
USES: This medication is used to prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by 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 right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Generic name: cromolyn sodium
Pronunciation: (KROE-mo-lin)
Drug class: Pulmonary Mast-Cell Stabilizer-Type Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Cromolyn Sodium
Indications
The following indications are listed for Cromolyn Sodium:
- Maintenance Therapy For Asthma
Also known as: Therapy To Achieve Long-Term Asthma Control.
Dosing
The oral aerosol inhaler delivers 800 mcg of cromolyn sodium per metered spray from the mouthpiece. The commercially available aerosol containing 8.1 or 14.2 g of drug delivers at least 112 or 200 metered sprays, respectively; the canister should be discarded after the labeled number of actuations have been used since the correct drug dose per inhalation cannot be assured if used for additional doses.
Although cromolyn sodium is only minimally absorbed (up to 1%) following oral administration, the absorbed portion undergoes renal and biliary elimination. Severe anaphylactic reactions may occur rarely in patients receiving cromolyn sodium, and the manufacturer states that oral dosage of the drug should be reduced in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage reduction of cromolyn sodium given via oral inhalation also should be considered in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Cromolyn sodium is administered orally and via oral inhalation. The oral concentrate of the drug in ampuls should not be used for oral inhalation therapy nor injected. Proper administration of cromolyn sodium is necessary to obtain optimum results, and it is important that the patient receive careful instruction on the particular dosage form employed.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Cromolyn 100 Mg/5 Ml Oral Conc | Maintenance | Take 200 mg (2 ampules) and squeeze contents into a glass of water and stir by oral route 4 times per day 30 min before meals and at bedtime. |
| Cromolyn 20 Mg/2 Ml Neb Soln | Maintenance | Inhale 2 milliliters (20 mg) by nebulization route 4 times per day. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Cromolyn 20 Mg/2 Ml Neb Soln | Maintenance | Inhale 2 milliliters (20 mg) by nebulization route 4 times per day. |
| Cromolyn 100 Mg/5 Ml Oral Conc | Maintenance | Take 200 mg (2 ampules) and squeeze contents into a glass of water and stir by oral route 4 times per day 30 min before meals and at bedtime. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
- Disease of liver
- Kidney disease with reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFr)
- Severe hepatic disease
- Severe renal impairment
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Less Frequent
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
Rare or Very Rare
- Allergic dermatitis
- Allergic dermatitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Angioedema
- Arthralgia
- Arthritis
- Bronchospastic pulmonary disease
- Bronchospastic pulmonary disease
- Dizziness
- Dyspnea
- Dyspnea
- Dysuria
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Headache disorder
- Increased urinary frequency
- Laryngeal edema
- Laryngeal edema
- Muscle weakness
- Myalgia
- Pruritus of skin
- Severe headache disorder
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
More Frequent
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dry throat
- Dysgeusia
- Headache disorder
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Xerostomia
Less Frequent
- Eye tearing
- Hoarseness
Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal pain with cramps
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Myalgia
- Nausea
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
In animal studies, cromolyn has produced adverse effects on the fetus (e.g., increased resorption, decreased fetal weight) only in very high parenteral doses. Healthy infants have been born to women who received cromolyn throughout pregnancy; nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of cromolyn in pregnancy. Cromolyn sodium should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Since it is not known if cromolyn is distributed into milk in humans, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women. Clinicians should weigh the potential benefits to the mother against the potential risks to the infant when considering cromolyn sodium therapy in nursing women.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance therapy for asthma | ||
| J45 | ICD10CM | Asthma |
| J45.2 | ICD10CM | Mild intermittent asthma |
| J45.20 | ICD10CM | Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.3 | ICD10CM | Mild persistent asthma |
| J45.30 | ICD10CM | Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.4 | ICD10CM | Moderate persistent asthma |
| J45.40 | ICD10CM | Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.5 | ICD10CM | Severe persistent asthma |
| J45.50 | ICD10CM | Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated |
| J45.9 | ICD10CM | Other and unspecified asthma |
| J45.90 | ICD10CM | Unspecified asthma |
| J45.909 | ICD10CM | Unspecified asthma, uncomplicated |
| Systemic mastocytosis | ||
| C96.21 | ICD10CM | Aggressive systemic mastocytosis |
| D47.02 | ICD10CM | Systemic mastocytosis |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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