How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Sodium cromoglycate belongs to the group of medications called anti-allergy medications. The capsules are used to treat food allergies and work by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation within the stomach and intestines.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each clear, hard gelatin capsule for oral use, printed "Sodium Cromoglycate 100 mg" in black, contains sodium cromoglycate 100 mg as a white powder. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin and iron oxide. This medication does not contain tartrazine.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended adult dose of this medication is 2 capsules 4 times daily taken 15 to 20 minutes before meals. For children 2 to 14 years of age, the usual recommended dose is one capsule 4 times daily taken 15 to 20 minutes before meals.
You doctor may suggest a higher dose if your symptoms are not controlled by the usual recommended dose. The maximum dose is 40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Once your symptoms are controlled, your doctor may suggest that you decrease your dose until you find the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole or dissolve the contents of the capsule(s) in a small amount (1 teaspoon) of very hot water and then dilute with 20 mL cold water to drink.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are not able to avoid the food that you are allergic to, such as when you are at a restaurant, you may be able to take a dose of this medication 15 minutes before the meal.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sodium cromoglycate or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal discomfort
- cough
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- headache
- joint pain
- nausea
- sneezing
- unpleasant taste
- vomiting
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- itchy skin
- skin rash
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- progressive muscle weakness
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)
- symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, leg swelling, cough, fatigue)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Life-threatening food allergies: If you have a life-threatening food allergy, you should not rely on this medication for protection. Always carry your epinephrine injection to treat life-threatening reactions.
Liver function: If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Stopping medication: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly once your symptoms have improved. You will likely need to continue taking this medication to control your symptoms.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if sodium cromoglycate passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 2 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Nalcrom
