Cromolyn oral inhaler controls episodes of asthma caused by foreign antigens such as pollens by preventing spasm and narrowing of the breathing tubes of the lungs. Cromolyn nasal spray is used for the control of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, a condition in which the lining of the nose swells with fluid “stuffy nose and fluid is released into the nasal passages runny nose” (Web 1). In conjunctivitis, cromolyn eye solution controls swelling, tearing, itching, and redness of the eye.
The canister should be shaken well before administering. After breathing out completely, the mouthpiece is inserted between the open lips, and the lips are closed firmly around the mouthpiece. The valve of the canister then is pressed down one time while inhaling deeply and slowly. The canister then is removed from the lips, and the breath is held for a count of 10 before exhaling slowly. If more than one inhalation is being used, a minute should elapse between inhalations. An extension tube (spacer) may be useful for persons who are unable to coordinate inhaling and pressing down on the canister's valve. Following administration, the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water or mouthwash that is spit out. This will minimize dry mouth or throat, throat irritation, and hoarseness.
The inhaler must be cleaned frequently. The inhaler is rinsed with warm water and dried thoroughly. If a bronchodilator aerosol spray such as albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin) is used in addition to cromolyn, the bronchodilator should be used first, and 5 minutes should elapse before the cromolyn is used.
Intranasal spray: Adults and children 6 years of age and older can use one spray in each nostril three or four times daily. If necessary, physicians may increase the dose to 6 times daily. Ophthalmic (eye) solution: Both hands should be washed before each use of cromolyn.......
