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Sodium cromoglicate (oral)

  • Sodium cromoglicate oral capsules can help prevent allergic reactions to food.
  • Your doctor will also advise you which foods to avoid eating.
  • Swallow the capsules whole or dissolved in water before meals.

About oral sodium cromoglicate

Type of medicine Anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory agent
Used for Food allergy
Also called Nalcrom®
Available as Capsules

Sodium cromoglicate oral capsules are used to prevent the symptoms of food allergy.

As a response to allergy the stomach and intestines can become inflamed, causing vomiting (being sick), colic or diarrhoea. Taking sodium cromoglicate before each meal and avoiding the foods you have an allergy to, help prevent inflammation and symptoms from occurring.

Before taking sodium cromoglicate

Before taking sodium cromoglicate 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 or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take sodium cromoglicate

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take sodium cromoglicate at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • You may swallow the capsules whole, or alternatively the contents can be dissolved in hot water (dilute with cold water before taking). Take them before your meals.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can sodium cromoglicate 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.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick, skin rash, joint pain If troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store sodium cromoglicate

  • 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


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • 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.
  • 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.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Nalcrom®, Aventis Pharma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2006, accessed 10 April 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3821		 DocRef:
dils3836		 Last Updated:
9 Jun 2008		 Date of Next Review:
9 Jun 2010		 Version:
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