Nedocromil

Nedocromil is a prescription medicine that is used in preventing asthma symptoms from taking place.

It helps minimize the number of attacks and lessens the severity when used regularly. Additionally, this drug is also used before a person is exposed to certain conditions or substances, such as chemicals, allergens, air pollutants, or cold air, preventing bronchospasms from occurring.

Nedocromil is either used alone or together with other anti-asthma drugs like bronchodilators and steroids. It works by targeting certain inflammatory cell in the lungs and preventing them from releasing asthma-causing substances.

If you are about to start Nedocromil, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

Before using this medicine, you and your doctor must consider the following:

Allergies

If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies show that using this drug in children does not result in any pediatric-specific problems limiting the usefulness of the drug. Nevertheless, the safety and efficacy of the use of this medicine in children younger than 6 years old are not yet established.

Geriatric

No geriatric-specific problems are documented but no appropriate studies are done on the relationship of old age and the use of this drug.

Pregnancy

Animal studies were done to show that using this drug during pregnancy has no potential harm to the fetus. Nonetheless, no adequate studies were done in pregnant women to demonstrate the safety of use.

Breastfeeding

While there are no adequate studies done to determine the risk to breastfeeding infant, you may weigh the risk against the benefits of using this drug.

Drug Interactions

Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Nevertheless, it is still possible to take other medicines when taking this drug. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary.

Using this with certain medicines needs utmost caution because the combination may result in certain side effects. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Other medical problems. Inform your doctor if you have other medical conditions, especially asthma attacks, as these may interfere with the usefulness and efficacy of this drug.

To use Nedocromil properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Nedocromil is a drug used in preventing bronchospasms or asthma symptoms. When used regularly, it may help reduce the number as well as minimize the severity of attacks.

Take note that using this drug will not relieve the symptoms of bronchospasm or asthma attack that has already started; it is mainly used to prevent the attacks.

Ask your doctor how to properly use the inhaler. A U.S.-available canister contains 104 inhalations while a Canada-available inhaler has 112 inhalations. It is advisable that you write down your every use to keep track and know if your canister is almost empty. Do not float this canister in water to test fullness.

When using the canister for the first time, or if you haven’t used it for seven days, prime the inhaler first to make sure you get the right amount of medicine. Follow manufacturer’s instruction on priming the inhaler. Read and follow manufacturer’s or your doctor’s instruction carefully on how to use the inhaler. Discard canister after 104 sprays, even if the container still has contents.

Dosing

Dosage usually depends on the age of the patient and the severity and frequency of attacks. The amount of medicine is also based on the strength of the drug. For preventing asthma attacks in adults and children 6 years old and up, the usual dose is 2 puffs to be taken 4 times a day or every 6 hours. For children younger than 6 years old, the dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach. Throw away after 104 sprays. Do not puncture canister.

If you take Nedocromil, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or do not improve in 2-4 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator or steroid for asthma together with this drug.

Do not stop intake of bronchodilator or steroid, regardless if your asthma symptoms improve.

When using this medicine, you may experience an unpleasant taste or throat irritation, which may be relieved by rinsing of the mouth after each inhalation.

Using Nedocromilthis drug may have possible side effects that can either go away after a few doses or may need special medical attention.

Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any side effects that are becoming bothersome, including:

• Body aches
• Abdominal pain
• chills
• cough
• dryness or soreness of throat
• increased wheezing
• Fever
• ear congestion
• Hoarseness
• tightness in the chest
• difficulty in breathing
• nasal congestion
• loss of voice
• noisy breathing
• shortness of breath
• runny nose
• sneezing
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• stuffy nose
• trouble in swallowing
• voice changes
• unusual weakness or tiredness or weakness
• Stiffness, swelling or pain of joints

Some of the side effects may take place and may not need special medical attention and usually go away as the body adjusts to the medicine during treatment.

Some patients may experience other side effects not listed above. If you want to report side effects, you may do so by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.