Description

Sodium Cromoglicate Capsules

Sodium cromoglicate capsules are an oral medicine. They are used to prevent some allergic symptoms especially reactions to certain foods you cannot always avoid. It has been shown to decrease the release of substances from mast cells that may lead to allergic symptoms.

For people who want information, knowing how this medicine works, why doctors prescribe it, and what precautions are important to take helps. It can make treatment easier to take. So it is important to use sodium cromoglicate only as your doctor tells you and in line with the instructions that come with the specific product.

What is Sodium Cromoglycate?

Sodium cromoglicate is an antiallergic drug. Oral sodium cromoglicate has been used to help prevent symptoms from some food-related allergic reactions. The official product information states: “During an allergic reaction, mast cells can release substances that may contribute to symptoms involving the digestive system and other parts of the body. Sodium cromoglicate helps to prevent the release of these substances.

However sodium cromoglicate is not an emergency treatment for a severe allergic reaction. If you have had a serious allergy, be sure to follow an emergency plan given to you by your health care professional.

Uses of Sodium Cromoglicate Capsule

Doctors may prescribe oral sodium cromoglicate to help prevent allergic symptoms caused by food ingredients that are hard to avoid completely. Symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, skin rashes or other allergic manifestations depending on the person.

Allergic conditions are quite variable and treatment should therefore be individualised. Also, not every digestive problem is caused by an allergy. Therefore, a healthcare professional should confirm treatment.

How Does Sodium Cromoglicate Work?

Sodium cromoglicate stabilises mast cells and decreases the release of some of the substances involved in allergic reactions. This may help to reduce or prevent symptoms caused by certain food components.

It is a treatment of prevention and not only of symptoms. It is therefore important to follow the prescribed schedule.

How do you take it?

Always take the dose and at the time advised to you by your doctor, chemist or the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. The directions for the different sodium cromoglicate products may be different and patients should not assume that the directions for one product apply to another. UK medicine information current at the time also stresses taking sodium cromoglicate exactly as instructed.

Do not increase the dose by yourself. Likewise, do not discontinue prescribed medication without talking to your healthcare professional.

Potential Side Effects

Like other medicines, sodium cromoglicate may cause side effects in some people. The side-effect profile will vary with the formulation and the individual patient.

If you have any symptoms that worry you, or become severe or do not improve, you should seek medical advice. Also, call for emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or severe difficulty swallowing.

Who needs to be extra careful?

Tell your doctor or chemist if you are allergic to sodium cromoglicate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. The official patient information states that sodium cromoglicate products should not be used if the patient is allergic to the active ingredient or an excipient listed in the product information.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines and supplements you take. They can also think about your entire treatment plan and any problems that might come up.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should check with a health care professional before using any medicine unless they have already been given specific medical advice.

Frequently asked questions.

What is sodium cromoglicate used for?

Oral sodium cromoglicate may be prescribed by a doctor to help prevent allergic symptoms caused by some of the ingredients in food.

Sodium cromoglicate is not an antihistamine.

Sodium cromoglicate is an antiallergic medicine, but not just another type of ordinary antihistamine. It mainly works by helping to stop mast cells from releasing inflammatory substances.

Can sodium cromoglicate prevent a serious allergic reaction?

It should not be used for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions need emergency care immediately, as outlined in the patient’s medical action plan.

Can I alter the dose?

“No. Take the dose prescribed for your specific product and condition. If you think your dose isn’t working well, contact your doctor or chemist.

Are all sodium cromoglicate products the same?

“No. Sodium cromoglicate is available as oral and eye preparations. For example, UK product information currently lists a variety of formulations including oral solution and eye-drop, with different uses and instructions.

Conclusion

Sodium cromoglicate capsules may be used as part of a treatment plan for people who have allergic symptoms to certain food ingredients. The medicine works by helping to reduce the release of substances that are involved in allergic reactions. So, professional advice and right use are important.