What is the dosage and how should it be used?
Nedocromil comes as an ophthalmic solution and inhaler. You can find below the explanation on how to use both forms of nedocromil.
For nedocromil INHALATION:
Use the nedocromil inhaler exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your inhaler. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
If you are also using a bronchodilator such as albuterol (ProventilŽ, VentolinŽ), pirbuterol (MaxairŽ), or bitolterol (TornalateŽ), use the bronchodilator first, then use nedocromil inhalation. Using the medications in this order will allow more nedocromil to reach your lungs.
Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place your inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/ or throat. If you do use your inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.
If your doses consist of more than one puff each, wait for at least 1 full minute after each puff, then repeat the procedure.
It is very important that you use your nedocromil inhaler properly so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler.
Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you, but use it consistently, as directed, even when you are feeling better. It may be 1 week or longer before you obtain the maximum benefit of this medication. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Nedocromil inhalation will not stop an attack after it has started and should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. It is used to prevent attacks from occurring. Keep another medicine on hand to treat such symptoms.
Continue to take any oral steroid (pills or liquid) that your doctor has prescribed for you. Nedocromil inhalation is not a substitute for an oral steroid.
Furthermore, it is important that you seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Keep your inhaler clean and dry, and always keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a day by removing the canister and mouthpiece and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.
For nedocromil OPHTHALMIC:
Use nedocromil eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using your eye drops.
To administer the drops, begin by removing the safety seal and cap from the bottle. Sit or stand comfortably with your head tilted back. Pull down on your lower eyelid and look up and away from the dropper. Position the dropper tip as close as possible to your lower eyelid and gently squeeze out the prescribed number of drops. Blink a few times to make sure your eye is covered with the solution. Close your eye and remove any excess solution with a clean tissue. Repeat this process in your other eye if directed to do so by your doctor, and then replace the cap after every use.
Avoid placing the eye drops directly on the pupil of your eye, this area is especially sensitive. Administration of the eye drops may be more comfortable if they are placed just inside the lower eyelid as directed above.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with nedocromil ophthalmic, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Additionally, do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?