Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Asthma Medicines

What do these medicines do?

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory asthma medicines reduce airway inflammation by blocking allergic response. They are taken daily to prevent symptoms, NOT to treat acute attacks.

These are long-term control medicines and do not immediately open the airways. They do not provide immediate relief for wheezing or asthma attacks. They may prevent asthma symptoms when taken before being exposed to an asthma trigger such as exercise, pollen, animals, or cold air.

For acute asthma attacks, your child will need a quick-relief medicine.

What are other names for these medicines?

Other names for these medicines are cromolyn (Intal) and nedocromil (Tilade).

How are they taken?

Cromolyn can be taken with a nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and spacer. Nedocromil is taken with an MDI and a spacer.

What is the usual dose?

Cromolyn or nedocromil is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. Extra doses may be needed before exercise or exposure to allergens.

Your prescribed dosage of __________________ is 1 ampule (nebulizer) or _____ puffs (MDI) ______ times a day.

What side effects can this drug cause?

Side effects are rare. Your child may have a dry mouth, cough, or irritated throat. Some children complain about the taste of nedocromil.

What special instructions should be followed?

To prevent symptoms of asthma, cromolyn or nedocromil should be taken regularly several times a day. They can be taken 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to cold air or allergens to prevent symptoms.