$Unique_ID{BRK03110}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{cromolyn sodium (nasal)}
$Subject{Nasalcrom Fisons Antiallergic cromolyn Nasal allergic rhinitis nasal
passages allergies inflammation swelling}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


cromolyn sodium (nasal)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Nasalcrom (Fisons)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antiallergic

INGREDIENT

     cromolyn

DOSAGE FORM

     Nasal solution (each spray delivers 5.2 mg)

STORAGE

     Cromolyn sodium should be stored at room temperature in its original
container.

USES

     Cromolyn sodium nasal solution is used to prevent and treat allergic
rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages resulting from allergies).
Cromolyn sodium works by preventing the release of the body chemicals
responsible for inflammation and swelling.

TREATMENT

     This medication is for use within the nose only.  The nasal passages
should be cleared before administering the spray.  You should inhale through
the nose as you spray the solution.  The container provides about 100 measured
sprays.
     This medication is most effective when therapy is started before contact
with allergens (the suspected offending agents causing your allergy), so if
you expect to be exposed to something to which you know you are allergic, it
is a good idea to start taking your medication first.
     This medication works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take four doses a day,
the doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     The maximum benefits of this medication may not become fully apparent for
up to four weeks after you have started therapy.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bad taste in the mouth, headaches, irritation or stinging, nasal burning,
postnasal drip, or sneezing.  These side effects should stop as your body
adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
nosebleeds or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Cromolyn sodium should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medication, especially to cromolyn sodium.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had
kidney or liver disease.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor, even if the symptoms of your disorder disappear.  Stopping the drug
abruptly can lead to a worsening of your condition.  Cromolyn sodium should be
continued as long as you have contact with the substance causing your allergic
symptoms.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive safety
studies in humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether cromolyn sodium passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.