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Inhalateur de cromoglicate de sodium

Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 08/05/2023: Intal® inhaler was discontinued in the United Kingdom in February 2022. At the time of review there are no branded or generic inhaler products containing sodium cromoglicate available in the UK. Sodium cromoglicate eye drops et des sprays nasaux may still be available. Sodium cromoglicate inhalers may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

Sodium cromoglicate is a type of preventer inhaler for asthma.

Use it regularly throughout the day - using it at mealtimes and bedtime can help you to remember.

It will not help an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor will prescribe another inhaler for you to use for this.

At a glance

  • Sodium cromoglicate is a preventer inhaler used to prevent asthma symptoms in adults and children over 5.

  • It works by reducing the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in your airways.

  • You must use this inhaler regularly every day for it to be effective.

  • It is not a reliever and will not stop an asthma attack that has already started.

  • Inform your doctor if your breathing worsens or you wheeze after using it.

  • Possible side-effects include mild throat irritation, cough, and headache.

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About sodium cromoglicate

Type de médicament

An anti-asthma medicine

Utilisé pour

To prevent asthma symptoms (in adults and in children aged over 5 years)

Aussi appelé

Cromolyn sodium

(in US); Intal® (discontinued)

Disponible sous forme de

Inhaler

Asthme is a common condition caused by inflammation in the airways. The inflammation irritates the muscles around the airways, and causes them to constrict. This causes your airways to narrow. It is then more difficult for air to get in and out of your lungs. This causes the typical symptoms of wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The inflammation also causes the lining of your airways to make extra mucus which causes coughing.

Sodium cromoglicate is a type of preventer inhaler. It is thought to work by reducing the release of some chemicals which cause inflammation. The medicine inside the inhaler goes straight into your airways when you breathe in. This means that your airways and lungs are treated, but little of the medicine gets into the rest of your body. To prevent asthma symptoms from developing, you must use it regularly, every day.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or your child) start using the inhaler, it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé ou allaitez.

  • Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

  • Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

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  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about sodium cromoglicate, diagrams to remind you how to use the inhaler, and a list of any side-effects which you may experience.

  • Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and make sure you (or your child) know how to use the inhaler properly. If you are unsure about this, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you what to do.

  • Sodium cromoglicate needs to be used regularly in order to have an effect. The usual starting dose is two puffs of the inhaler, four times daily. Some people may be advised by their doctors to use one puff before exercise in order to prevent exercise-induced symptoms. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you, and this information will be printed on the label of the inhaler to remind you.

  • Try to use the inhaler at the same times of day, each day. If you forget, use it as soon as you remember, but do not double up a dose.

  • Do not stop using the inhaler suddenly, as this can cause your asthma symptoms to recur. Your doctor will ask you to reduce your dose gradually if it becomes necessary to stop the treatment.

  • If, after using the inhaler for the first time, your breathing becomes worse or you suddenly start to wheeze, do not use the inhaler again and let your doctor know straightaway. Your doctor will want to change the inhaler to one more suited to you.

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and asthma clinic. This is so your doctor can review your condition on a regular basis and ensure that the inhaler is of benefit. If at any time you find that your asthma symptoms are getting worse or that you need to use a reliever inhaler more regularly, contact your doctor or nurse for advice straightaway.

  • 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 inhaler for you to use if you get an attack - for example, a salbutamol or terbutaline inhaler.

  • 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 treatment.

  • Il est utile de se souvenir de la couleur de votre inhalateur et du nom de la marque. Cela pourrait être important si vous devez consulter un médecin qui ne possède pas vos dossiers médicaux (par exemple, si vous êtes en vacances ou en dehors des heures d'ouverture habituelles de votre cabinet médical).

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Along with their useful effects, inhalers can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with sodium cromoglicate. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your inhaler. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common

sodium cromoglicate inhaler side-effects

Que puis-je faire si je ressens cela ?

Mild throat irritation, cough

Try brushing your teeth or rinsing out your mouth with water after using the inhaler. Sucking sugar-free sweets can help relieve coughing, but if this becomes troublesome, you should let your doctor know

Maux de tête

Buvez beaucoup d'eau et demandez à votre pharmacien de vous recommander un antidouleur approprié. Si les maux de tête persistent, informez votre médecin

Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose

This is usually mild and soon passes

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

  • Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

  • Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have had an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Si vous achetez des médicaments, vérifiez avec un pharmacien qu'ils sont sans danger à prendre avec vos autres médicaments.

Si vous subissez une opération ou un traitement dentaire, informez la personne qui effectue le traitement des médicaments que vous prenez.

Ce médicament est pour vous. Ne le donnez jamais à d'autres personnes, même si leur état semble être le même que le vôtre.

Ne gardez pas de médicaments périmés ou indésirables. Apportez-les à votre pharmacie locale qui s'en débarrassera pour vous.

Si vous avez des questions concernant ce médicament, demandez à votre pharmacien.

Signaler les effets secondaires d'un médicament ou d'un vaccin

Si vous ressentez des effets secondaires, vous pouvez les signaler en ligne via le Yellow Card website.

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Questions fréquemment posées

What is the main difference between sodium cromoglicate and other asthma inhalers?

Sodium cromoglicate is a 'preventer' inhaler, meaning its primary role is to stop asthma symptoms from occurring by reducing inflammation. It's not designed to quickly relieve an asthma attack once it has started. For sudden asthma attacks, a different type of inhaler, known as a reliever inhaler (like salbutamol or terbutaline), would be prescribed by your doctor.

How long does it take for sodium cromoglicate to start working and show an effect?

Sodium cromoglicate needs to be used regularly and consistently over time to be effective. It is not an immediate relief medicine. The article states that you must use it regularly, every day, to prevent asthma symptoms from developing. It doesn't specify an exact timeframe for when you'll initially notice its preventative effects.

If I miss a dose of my sodium cromoglicate inhaler, what should I do?

If you forget to use your inhaler at the scheduled time, you should use it as soon as you remember. However, it's important not to take a double dose to make up for the missed one. Just take your next dose at the usual time.

Why is it important to attend regular appointments with my doctor and asthma clinic?

Regular appointments with your doctor and asthma clinic are important because they allow your doctor to review your condition periodically. This ensures that your sodium cromoglicate inhaler is still benefiting you effectively and that your treatment plan is appropriate for your current health status.

Can children use sodium cromoglicate inhalers?

Yes, sodium cromoglicate can be used by children, specifically those aged over 5 years, to prevent asthma symptoms.

Can smoking affect the effectiveness of sodium cromoglicate?

Yes, smoking can significantly interfere with your treatment. The article states that smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs, making your asthma worse and reducing the beneficial effects of the sodium cromoglicate treatment.

What should I do if my breathing gets worse or I start wheezing right after using the inhaler for the first time?

If your breathing worsens or you start wheezing suddenly after using the inhaler for the first time, you should immediately stop using it and contact your doctor. This could indicate that the inhaler is not suitable for you, and your doctor will want to find a more appropriate treatment.

Lectures complémentaires et références

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historique de l'article

Les informations sur cette page sont rédigées et examinées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • Prochaine révision prévue : 4 nov. 2027
  • 9 mai 2023 | Dernière version

    Dernière mise à jour par

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revu par

    Sid Dajani
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