3. Sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

Sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

  • Use your inhaler at regular intervals to get the best effects from your medicine.
  • Sodium cromoglicate is not a reliever. Your doctor will prescribe another inhaled medicine for you to use if you get an asthma attack. Make sure that you keep it with you all the time.
  • It is particularly important that your asthma is well controlled if you are pregnant. Make sure your doctor knows if you are expecting or trying for a baby.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
Type of medicine Anti-asthmatic
Used for Prevention and treatment of asthma
Also called Intal®
Available as Inhaler

It is not fully understood how sodium cromoglicate works. It can help to prevent asthma caused by allergies or exercise.

Before using sodium cromoglicate for inhalation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.
  • Use your inhaler at regular intervals (usually three or four times daily) to get the best effects from your medicine.
  • It may take four to six weeks after beginning treatment with this medicine before your condition improves.
  • Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop using sodium cromoglicate without speaking to your doctor first, as stopping it suddenly may cause your asthma symptoms to recur.
  • Sodium cromoglicate is not a reliever, it does not work quickly enough to relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor will prescribe another inhaled medicine for you to use if you get an attack. Make sure that you keep it with you all the time.
  • Sodium cromoglicate, if taken half an hour before exercise, can prevent an exercise induced asthma attack.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with sodium cromoglicate.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Mild throat irritation, cough Try sugar-free sweets and make sure you drink plenty of water
Headache Ask your pharmacist to prescribe a suitable painkiller. If your headache continues, speak with your doctor

If your breathing gets worse immediately after using your inhaler speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Intal® CFC-free Inhaler; Manufacturer's PIL, Intal® CFC-free Inhaler, sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2007.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Prof Cathy Jackson
Last Checked: 26/10/2011 Document ID: 3476  Version: 25 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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