Home Drug Guide Cromolyn Sodium

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Cromolyn Sodium

Brand Names Intal, Opticrom, Gastrocrom, Nasalcrom, Crolom, Cromoptic

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiallergic/Antiasthmatic

Pharmacological: Mast cell stabilizer

FDA Approved Indications

  • Asthma (preventive therapy)
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Gastrointestinal allergies

Mechanism of Action

Cromolyn sodium stabilizes mast cell membranes, preventing the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, thereby reducing allergic and asthmatic responses.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dosed as inhaler or nasal spray; specific doses vary by product and condition.

Pediatric: Similar dosing as adults, typically with age-specific formulations.

Geriatric: No specific adjustments recommended, but caution for comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; no specific dose adjustment indicated.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; generally not metabolized by liver.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when used inhaled or intranasally.

Distribution: Limited, mostly local action.

Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized; primarily local effects.

Excretion: Excreted largely unchanged via feces and urine.

Half Life: Approximately 1.5 hours in systemic circulation when absorbed.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium or any component.
  • Severe asthma attack or unstable asthma.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; monitor for adverse reactions. Some formulations contain preservatives that may cause bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Throat irritation (Common)
  • Cough (Common)
  • Sneezing (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Bronchospasm (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-established, but caution with other inhaled agents.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions known.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; generally no known interactions.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, lung function tests, and for hypersensitivity reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Ineffective airway clearance
  • Risk for allergic reaction

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; educate patient on correct inhaler/nasal spray technique; observe for adverse reactions.

Evaluation: Assess frequency of asthma attacks, symptom control, and adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use regularly to maintain effect.
  • Proper inhaler or nasal spray technique.
  • Report any signs of allergic reactions or worsening symptoms.
  • Avoid triggers that worsen allergy or asthma.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • No black box warnings reported.

Genetic Factors: None known.

Lab Test Interference: No significant interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Unlikely due to minimal systemic absorption; excessive inhalation might cause cough or bronchospasm.

Treatment: Supportive care; bronchodilators if bronchospasm occurs.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.