Drug Information Table

Mast cell stabilizers cromolyn

Therapeutic Use

Administration

Long-term treatment of allergyrelated asthma

Prophylaxis for exerciseinduced bronchospasm
Prophylaxis for seasonal allergy
symptoms
Management of allergic rhinitis
(intranasally)

Use with a nebulizer or a

metered-dose inhaler.
Clear mucus from airways prior
to inhalation.
Expect several weeks of use for
full effects to become apparent
Administer two to four times
daily on a fixed schedule.
Use the inhaler 15 min prior to
exercising to prevent exerciseinduced bronchospasm.
Do not use to relieve an acute
asthma exacerbation.

Side/Adverse Effects

Interventions

Patient Instructions

Allergic reaction

Administer epinephrine and/

or antihistamines to reverse
anaphylaxis.

Seek medical care immediately

for sudden rash, swelling of the
mouth or throat, or wheezing
after use.

Dry mouth

Encourage patient to drink sips

of water
Give patient hard candy to suck
on

Suck on hard candy.

Sip water.

Headache

Administer mild analgesic as

needed

Use over-the-counter
analgesics as needed.

Bitter aftertaste

Encourage patient to suck on

hard candy after inhalations

Suck on hard candy.

Sip water.

Cough, tingling, or burning of

the throat and trachea after
inhalation

Encourage patient to gargle,

drink water, or suck on throat
lozenge after use.

Gargle with or drink water after

use.
Suck on throat lozenges after
use.

Contraindications
Allergy to cromolyn
Coronary artery disease
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Status asthmaticus

Precautions
Liver disease
Kidney disease

Interactions
None known