Cromolyn Oral Inhalation
Cromolyn oral inhalation is used to prevent the wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness caused by asthma. It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) caused by exercise, cold and dry air, or by inhaling substances such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, or chemicals, such as perfume. It works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation (swelling) in the air passages of the lungs.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Cromolyn oral inhalation comes as a solution (liquid) to inhale by mouth using a special nebulizer (machine that turns medication into a mist that can be inhaled). When the nebulizer is used to prevent symptoms of asthma, it is usually used 4 times a day. When the nebulizer is used to prevent breathing difficulty caused by exercise, cold and dry air, or by inhaling a substance (trigger), it is usually used 10 to 15 minutes before exercise or before you come into contact with the trigger. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use cromolyn exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Cromolyn controls asthma but does not cure it. Your symptoms may improve soon after you begin using cromolyn, but it may take up to 4 weeks for before you feel the full benefit of the medication. You should use it regularly for it to be effective. If your symptoms have not improved after 4 weeks, tell your doctor. Continue to use cromolyn even if you feel well. Do not stop using cromolyn without talking to your doctor.
Cromolyn oral inhalation helps to prevent asthma attacks (sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing) but will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during asthma attacks.
Before you use cromolyn inhalation for the first time, read the written instructions that come with the nebulizer. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the nebulizer while he or she watches.
To inhale the solution using a nebulizer, follow these steps;
- Remove one vial of cromolyn solution from the foil pouch. Leave the rest of the vials in the pouch until you are ready to use them.
- Look at the liquid in the vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the vial if the liquid is cloudy or discolored.
- Twist off the top of the vial and squeeze all of the liquid into the nebulizer reservoir. If you are using your nebulizer to inhale other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can place the other medications in the reservoir along with cromolyn.
- Connect the nebulizer reservoir to the mouthpiece or face mask.
- Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the face mask. Sit in an upright, comfortable position and turn on the compressor.
- Breathe in calmly, deeply, and evenly for about 5 to 10 minutes until mist stops forming in the nebulizer chamber.
- Clean your nebulizer regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about cleaning your nebulizer.
