$Unique_ID{BRK01910}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CROMOLYN SODIUM (NASAL)}
$Subject{Nasalcrom (Fisons)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 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.
     Maximum benefits of this medication may not become apparent for up to
four weeks after starting therapy.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, 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 disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.

     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.
     * Before starting to take this medication, 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.
