Nedocromil Oral Inhalation

Nedocromil is used to prevent the wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma. It works by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation (swelling) in the air passages of the lungs. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Nedocromil comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth. It usually is inhaled four times a day to prevent asthma attacks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use nedocromil exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks for nedocromil to work. You should take it regularly for it to be effective. If your symptoms have not improved after 4 weeks, tell your doctor. Nedocromil is used with a special inhaler. Before you use nedocromil inhalation for the first time, read the instructions for your device. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhalation device while in his or her presence. To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Shake the inhaler well.</li>
<li>
Remove the protective cap.</li>
<li>
Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.</li>
<li>
<span class='ital'>Open Mouth Technique:</span> Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1 to 2 inches from your mouth.
<span class='ital'>Closed Mouth Technique:</span> Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.</li>
<li>
Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.</li>
<li>
Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take 2 puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.</li>
<li>
Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.</li></ul> If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Nedocromil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
bad taste in the mouth</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
cough</li>
<li>
stuffy nose</li>
<li>
itching or burning nasal passages</li>
<li>
sneezing</li>
<li>
headache</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
wheezing</li>
<li>
increased difficulty breathing</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before using nedocromil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nedocromil or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are using, including vitamins.