- INTAL (cromolyn)
Description
Prevents asthma attacks.
Brand Name(s)
IntalŪ
When you should not use this medicine
You should not use cromolyn if you have had an allergic reaction to it. This medicine
should not be used during an acute attack of asthma.
How to use and store this medicine
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. Keep all medicine out of
the reach of children.
Aerosol:
- Shake the inhaler well just before each use.
- Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is
clean.
- Test spray in the air before using for the first time or if
the inhaler has not been used for a while.
- Breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the
lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister
upright.
- Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like
yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
- Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out
slowly.
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes between each inhalation. Repeat these
steps for the next puff starting with shaking the inhaler.
- The mouthpiece should be washed with warm water after each
use.
- Do not store or expose the canister to open fire or
temperatures above 120 degrees F. Do not poke holes in the canister.
Capsules for inhalation:
- Do not swallow the capsules.
- This medicine is to be used with a special device called a
SpinhalerŪ.
- Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
Solution for inhalation:
- This medicine must be used with a machine called a
nebulizer.
- Keep medicine tubes in foil pouch until ready to use. Store
at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
If you miss a dose:
- May be used as soon as possible.
- Use the rest of the doses for the day at regularly spaced
time intervals.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to use this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings
- Check with your doctor if your condition does not improve or
gets worse while using cromolyn.
- This medicine will not relieve an acute asthma attack. If
you have chronic asthma, you will need to use this medicine on a regular basis for 1 to 4
weeks to prevent asthma attacks.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor
before using this medicine.
- Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if
you have heart, kidney, or liver disease.
- If you are taking other oral or inhaled medicines for
asthma, do not stop taking them without first talking to your doctor.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Intense itching, hives, or skin rash
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
If you have problems with these less serious side effects,
tell your doctor.
- Bad taste, nausea, or upset stomach
- Coughing, dry mouth or dry throat, hoarseness
- Pain when going to the bathroom (urination) or urge to
urinate
- Stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing
