Nebulization of Cromolyn Sodium in the Treatment of Childhood Asthma

Abstract

Numerous adequate and well-controlled clinical studies have demonstrated that cromolyn sodium (cromolyn) is an effective drug for the control of asthmatic signs and symptoms in pediatric patients. However, asthmatics under the age of 5 years general-ly have been denied the drug because they are unable to effectively use the powder formulation of cromolyn and its inhalation device, the Spinhaler turbo-inhaler. Re-cently, cromolyn has been made available as a 1% solution in sterile water. This article reviews my experience with nebulized cromolyn solution, via a Bennett twin-jet nebulizer, in 58 asthmatic children, and my more recent use of an ultrasonically nebulized cromolyn solution, via the DeVilbiss Pulmo-Sonic nebulizer, for a further 125 pediatric patients. The drug was effective in the majority of patients and was remarkably free from side effects. The correct use of nebulized cromolyn in the prevention and control of persistent asthma requires that the drug be given an adequate trial (ie, for a minimum of 4 weeks, with 80 mg administered daily in divided doses), that the asthma be under good control when cromolyn therapy is instituted, and that the drug be taken daily whether or not the patient is free of asthma signs and symptoms, unless marked, labored breathing prevents inhalation of the mist. (Marks MB. Nebulization of Cromolyn Sodium in the Treatment of Childhood Asthma. Respir Care 1983;28:1282-1286.