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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.

About sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

Type of medicine Anti-asthmatic
Used for Asthma
Also called Intal Spincaps
Available as Capsules for inhalation

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

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

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to use sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

  • Use your inhaler exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Use your inhaler at regular intervals to get the best effects from your medicine.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • It may take four to six weeks after beginning treatment with this medicine before your condition improves.
  • Do not stop using sodium cromoglicate without speaking to your doctor first.
  • 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.

Can sodium cromoglicate for inhalation cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
Mild throat irritation, coughing.

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

How to store sodium cromoglicate for inhalation

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

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3476		 DocRef:
dils2702		 Last Updated:
5 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
4 Feb 2009		 Version:
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