nedocromil sodium

ne·doc·ro·mil sodium (n-dkr-ml)

n.

A anti-inflammatory drug used in inhaler form to treat mild-to-moderate asthma.

---

nedocromil sodium,

the sodium salt of nedocromil, administered topically to the conjunctiva in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

---

nedocromil sodium (ned´ōkrō´mil),

n brand name: Tilade;
drug class: antiasthmatic, mast cell stabilizer;
action: stabilizes the membrane of the sensitized mast cell, preventing release of chemical mediators after an antigen-IgE interaction;
use: prophylaxis only in reversible obstructive airway diseases such as asthma.

---

mast cell stabilizers

Prophylactic drugs used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, giant pupillary conjunctivitis, superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. They act by stabilizing the membranes of mast cells thus preventing the release of histamine. Common agents are sodium cromoglicate (cromolyn sodium), lodoxamide, nedocromil sodium, olopatadine hydrochloride and pemirolast potassium. See antihistamine; hypersensitivity.

---

nedocromil sodium

Tilade

Pharmacologic class: Mast cell stabilizer

Therapeutic class: Antiasthmatic

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Blocks allergen-triggered release of histamine and slow-releasing substance of anaphylaxis from mast cells, decreasing overall allergic response and inflammatory reaction

Availability

Aerosol for inhalation: 1.75 mg/spray in 16.2-g canister

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Maintenance therapy in mild to moderate bronchial asthma

Adults and children ages 6 and older: Two inhalations (1.75 mg/spray) two to four times daily

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• acute asthma attack
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children younger than age 6 (safety not established).

Administration

• Know that drug isn't indicated for bronchospasm reversal in acute asthma attack.
☞ Stop drug immediately if bronchospasm occurs.
• Be aware that therapeutic response may take up to 4 weeks.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Inhalation	Unknown	30 min	3.5 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache

CV: chest pain

EENT: conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis

GI: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain

Respiratory: cough, upper respiratory tract infection, increased sputum, bronchitis, dyspnea, worsening of bronchial asthma, bronchospasm

Other: unpleasant taste, viral infection, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

Interactions

None significant

Patient monitoring

• Monitor pulmonary function tests.
• Assess respiratory status frequently.
☞ Watch for increasing bronchospasm and anaphylaxis.

Patient teaching

• Advise patient to expectorate mucus from airway before using inhaler.
• Provide instructions on proper inhalation technique.
• Encourage patient to use spacer as needed to achieve therapeutic dosage.
• Tell patient to gargle and sip water after inhalation, to reduce mouth irritation.
• Inform patient that therapeutic response may take up to 4 weeks.
• Inform patient that drug should be used only for asthma prevention and not as rescue inhaler in emergencies.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions.