DESCRIPTION
The active ingredient of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution USP is cromolyn sodium, USP. It is an inhaled anti-inflammatory agent for the preventive management of asthma. Cromolyn sodium, USP is chemically designated as disodium 5,5'- [(2-hydroxytrimethylene)dioxy] bis [4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylate]. The molecular formula is C23H14Na2O11; the molecular weight is 512.34. Cromolyn sodium, USP is a water-soluble, odorless, white, hydrated crystalline powder. It is tasteless at first, but leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution USP is clear, colorless, sterile and has a target pH of 5.5.
The structural formula is:
Each 2 mL vial for oral inhalation use only contains 20 mg cromolyn sodium, USP in water for injection, USP.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that cromolyn sodium inhibits sensitized mast cell degranulation which occurs after exposure to specific antigens. Cromolyn sodium acts by inhibiting the release of mediators from mast cells. Studies show that cromolyn sodium indirectly blocks calcium ions from entering the mast cell, thereby preventing mediator release.
Cromolyn sodium inhibits both the immediate and non-immediate bronchoconstrictive reactions to inhaled antigen. Cromolyn sodium also attenuates bronchospasm caused by exercise, toluene diisocyanate, aspirin, cold air, sulfur dioxide and environmental pollutants.
Cromolyn sodium has no intrinsic bronchodilator or antihistaminic activity.
After administration by inhalation, approximately 8% of the total cromolyn sodium dose administered is absorbed and rapidly excreted unchanged, approximately equally divided between urine and bile. The remainder of the dose is either exhaled or deposited in the oropharynx, swallowed and excreted via the alimentary tract.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution USP is a prophylactic agent indicated in the management of patients with bronchial asthma.
In patients whose symptoms are sufficiently frequent to require a continuous program of medication, Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution USP is given by inhalation on a regular daily basis (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). The effect of cromolyn sodium is usually evident after several weeks of treatment, although some patients show an almost immediate response.
In patients who develop acute bronchoconstriction in response to exposure to exercise, toluene diisocyanate, environmental pollutants, etc., cromolyn sodium should be given shortly before exposure to the precipitating factor (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution is contraindicated in those patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Occasionally, patients may experience cough and/or bronchospasm following inhalation of cromolyn sodium. At times, patients who develop bronchospasm may not be able to continue cromolyn sodium administration despite prior bronchodilator administration. Rarely, very severe bronchospasm has been encountered.
Symptoms of asthma may recur if cromolyn sodium is reduced below the recommended dosage or discontinued.
Information for Patients
Cromolyn sodium is to be taken as directed by the physician. Because it is preventive medication, it may take up to four weeks before the patient experiences maximum benefit.
Cromolyn sodium should be used in a power-driven nebulizer with an adequate airflow rate equipped with a suitable face mask or mouthpiece.
Drug stability and safety of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.
For additional information, see the accompanying leaflet entitled "Living a Full Life with Asthma'.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
Long-term studies of cromolyn sodium in mice (12 months intraperitoneal administration at doses up to 150 mg/kg three days per week), hamsters (intraperitoneal administration at doses up to 53 mg/kg three days per week for 15 weeks followed by 17.5 mg/kg three days per week for 37 weeks), and rats (18 months subcutaneous treatment at doses up to 75 mg/kg six days per week) showed no neoplastic effects. These doses correspond to approximately 1.0, 0.3, and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Cromolyn sodium showed no mutagenic potential in Ames Salmonella/microsome plate assays, mitotic gene conversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and an in vitro cytogenetic study in human peripheral lymphocytes.
No evidence of impaired fertility was shown in laboratory reproduction studies conducted subcutaneously in rats at the highest doses tested, 175 mg/kg/day in males and 100 mg/kg/day in females. These doses are approximately 18 and 10 times, respectively, the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Reproduction studies with cromolyn sodium administered subcutaneously to pregnant mice and rats at maximum daily doses of 540 mg/kg and 164 mg/kg, respectively, and intravenously to rabbits at a maximum daily dose of 485 mg/kg produced no evidence of fetal malformations. These doses represent approximately 27, 17, and 98 times, respectively, the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis. Adverse fetal effects (increased resorption and decreased fetal weight) were noted only at the very high parenteral doses that produced maternal toxicity. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Drug Interaction During Pregnancy
Cromolyn sodium and isoproterenol were studied following subcutaneous injections in pregnant mice. Cromolyn sodium alone in doses up to 540 mg/kg (approximately 27 times the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis) did not cause significant increases in resorptions or major malformations. lsoproterenol alone at a dose of 2.7 mg/kg (approximately 7 times the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis) increased both resorptions and malformations. The addition of cromolyn sodium (approximately 27 times the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis) to isoproterenol (approximately 7 times the maximum recommended adult human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis) appears to have increased the incidence of both resorptions and malformations.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Clinical experience with the use of cromolyn sodium suggests that adverse reactions are rare events. The following adverse reactions have been associated with cromolyn sodium: cough, nasal congestion, nausea, sneezing, and wheezing.
Other reactions have been reported in clinical trials; however, a causal relationship could not be established: drowsiness, nasal itching, nose bleed, nose burning, serum sickness, and stomachache.
In addition, adverse reactions have been reported with cromolyn sodium for inhalation capsules. The most common side effects are associated with inhalation of the powder and include transient cough (1 in 5 patients) and mild wheezing (1 in 25 patients). These effects rarely require treatment or discontinuation of the drug.
Information on the incidence of adverse reactions to cromolyn sodium for inhalation capsules has been derived from U.S. postmarketing surveillance experience. The following adverse reactions attributed to cromolyn sodium, based upon recurrence following readministration, have been reported in less than 1 in 10,000 patients: laryngeal edema, swollen parotid gland, angioedema, bronchospasm, joint swelling and pain, dizziness, dysuria and urinary frequency, nausea, cough, wheezing, headache, nasal congestion, rash, urticaria and lacrimation.
Other adverse reactions have been reported in less than 1 in 100,000 patients, and it is unclear whether these are attributable to the drug: anaphylaxis, nephrosis, periarteritic vasculitis, pericarditis, peripheral neuritis, pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia, polymyositis, exfoliative dermatitis, hemoptysis, anemia, myalgia, hoarseness, photodermatitis, and vertigo.
OVERDOSAGE
There is no clinical syndrome associated with an overdosage of cromolyn sodium. Acute toxicity testing in a wide variety of species has demonstrated that toxicity with cromolyn sodium occurs only with very high exposure levels, regardless of whether administration was parenteral, oral or by inhalation. Parenteral administration in mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits demonstrated a median lethal dose of approximately 4000 mg/kg. Intravenous administration in monkeys also indicated a similar pattern of toxicity. The highest dose administered by the oral route in rats and mice was 8000 mg/kg, (approximately 261 and 130 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily inhalation dose on a mg/m2 basis) and at this dose level no deaths occurred. By inhalation, even in long term studies, it proved impossible to achieve toxic dose levels of cromolyn sodium in a range of mammalian species.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For management of bronchial asthma in adults and pediatric patients (two years of age and over), the usual starting dosage is the contents of one vial administered by nebulization four times a day at regular intervals.
Drug stability and safety of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.
Patients with chronic asthma should be advised that the effect of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution therapy is dependent upon its administration at regular intervals, as directed. Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution should be introduced into the patient's therapeutic regimen when the acute episode has been controlled, the airway has been cleared and the patient is able to inhale adequately.
For the prevention of acute bronchospasm which follows exercise or exposure to cold dry air, environmental agents (e.g., animal danders, toluene diisocyanate, pollutants), etc., the usual dose is the contents of one vial administered by nebulization shortly before exposure to the precipitating factor.
It should be emphasized to the patient that the drug is poorly absorbed when swallowed and is not effective by this route of administration.
For additional information, see the accompanying leaflet entitled "Living a Full Life with Asthma".
Cromolyn Sodium Inhalation Solution Therapy in Relation to Other Treatments for Asthma
Non-steroidal agents
Cromolyn sodium should be added to the patient's existing treatment regimen (e.g., bronchodilators). When a clinical response to cromolyn sodium inhalation solution is evident, usually within two to four weeks, and if the asthma is under good control, an attempt may be made to decrease concomitant medication usage gradually.
If concomitant medications are eliminated or required on no more than a prn basis, the frequency of administration of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution may be titrated downward to the lowest level consistent with the desired effect. The usual decrease is from four to three vials per day. It is important that the dosage be reduced gradually to avoid exacerbation of asthma. It is emphasized that in patients whose dosage has been titrated to fewer than four vials per day, an increase in the dose of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution and the introduction of, or increase in, symptomatic medications may be needed if the patient's clinical condition deteriorates.
Corticosteroids
In patients chronically receiving corticosteroids for the management of bronchial asthma, the dosage should be maintained following the introduction of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution. If the patient improves, an attempt to decrease corticosteroids should be made. Even if the corticosteroid-dependent patient fails to show symptomatic improvement following cromolyn sodium inhalation solution administration, the potential to reduce corticosteroids may nonetheless be present. Thus, gradual tapering of corticosteroid dosage may be attempted. It is important that the dose be reduced slowly, maintaining close supervision of the patient to avoid an exacerbation of asthma.
It should be borne in mind that prolonged corticosteroid therapy frequently causes an impairment in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a reduction in the size of the adrenal cortex. A potentially critical degree of impairment or insufficiency may persist asymptomatically for some time even after gradual discontinuation of adrenocortical steroids. Therefore, if a patient is subjected to significant stress, such as a severe asthmatic attack, surgery, trauma or severe illness while being treated or within one year (occasionally up to two years) after corticosteroid treatment has been terminated, consideration should be given to reinstituting corticosteroid therapy. When respiratory function is impaired, as may occur in severe exacerbation of asthma, a temporary increase in the amount of corticosteroids may be required to regain control of the patient's asthma.
It is particularly important that great care be exercised if, for any reason, cromolyn sodium inhalation solution is withdrawn in cases where its use has permitted a reduction in the maintenance dose of corticosteroids. In such cases, continued close supervision of the patient is essential since there may be sudden reappearance of severe manifestations of asthma which will require immediate therapy and possible reintroduction of corticosteroids.
HOW SUPPLIED
Cromolyn Sodium Inhalation Solution Unit-Dose 2 mL Vial is supplied as a colorless solution containing 20 mg cromolyn sodium, USP, in water for injection, USP, with 12 vials per foil pouch containing 5 pouches in a carton
NDC: 72162-2307-06: 60 UNIT-DOSE VIALS (12X5 POUCHES)
Each vial is made from a low density polyethylene (LDPE) resin.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not use if solution is discolored or contains a precipitate.
Retain in foil pouch until time of use.
PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Repackaged/Relabeled by:
Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc.
Burbank, CA 91504
LIVING A FULL LIFE WITH ASTHMA
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
CROMOLYN SODIUM inhalation solution, USP
You or your child may be among the millions of Americans who have asthma. For most patients, asthma need not limit your lifestyle, if you closely follow the asthma management plan your doctor provides you. Your doctor has given you this instruction sheet to help you learn more about asthma and ways to control it.
WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is a disease that causes patients to have difficulty breathing. Asthma "attacks" occur when the air passages (airways) to the lungs close up, blocking air from passing through. The closing up is caused by two things:
- The muscles around the airways tighten (constrict) making the airway narrower, and
- The passage lining swells and produces larger amounts of mucus (a sticky liquid normally found in airways). This swelling is caused by a certain type of inflammation that can build up in the airways of patients with asthma. Inflammation and the airway sensitivity that results from it cause further attacks to occur.
WHAT CAUSES THESE ATTACKS?
Asthma experts know that patients with asthma have attacks because their airways are inflamed and over reactive. Their lungs become super-sensitive to certain irritants or "triggers", such as cold dry air, pollen, smoke, or cat dander. In the presence of such triggers, someone with asthma may have an attack, and attacks may occur more often. Asthma triggers fall into 6 categories:
- Substances that cause allergies (pollens, animal dander, molds, house dust, some foods and medicines)
- Infections that affect breathing (colds, flu)
- Emotional stress (difficult situations at home, school, or work)
- Strenuous exercise
- Irritating gases (chlorine, perfume, tobacco smoke)
- Sudden changes in temperature or humidity
HOW TD PREVENT ASTHMA ATTACKS
No medicine or procedure will "cure" asthma. The key to asthma relief, therefore, is to prevent attacks and to relieve attack symptoms if they do occur.
A successful prevention plan* will do the following:
- Keep your activities, including exercise, at normal levels.
- Keep your lungs functioning normally or at a near-normal level.
- Prevent symptoms such as coughing or breathlessness that can keep you up at night, or occur in the early morning hours, or after exertion.
- Prevent asthma attacks from happening.
- Avoid unpleasant or harmful side effects that may result from using asthma medicine.
The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid the triggers that bother you or your child. Try to identify the specific things that cause problems for you - things such as certain foods, house dust, or animal dander. Avoiding these triggers may be difficult or unpleasant. You may need to find a new home for a family pet or remove a carpet or a favorite stuffed toy. Even though these steps are difficult, they may be necessary in order to help prevent asthma attacks.
If house dust is a trigger, remove dust-collectors such as feather pillows, mattresses, quilts, and carpets from the bedroom. Mattresses and pillows can be covered with allergen-free covers. If a certain food triggers attacks, keep it out of your diet. Irritants in the air can be reduced by air conditioning, electrostatic air filters, or small-pore (HEPA) filters. Be careful of certain medicines. Aspirin and aspirin-like pain relievers, for example, can trigger attacks in some people and should be avoided if they do.
*Adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, National Asthma Education Program, Expert Panel Report,1991.
OTHER DO'S AND DON'TS
Anyone with asthma should stick to a healthy, balanced diet, get lots of rest and moderate exercise, and follow these do's and dont's:
- Don't smoke, and don’t stay in the same room with people that do.
- Avoid fresh paint.
- Avoid sudden changes of temperature Don't go in and out of extremely cool air-conditioned buildings during hot weather.
- Stay home in extremely cold weather, if possible.
- Stay away from people with cold or flu.
- Try to avoid emotionally upsetting situations.
- Drink lots of liquids.
- Don't overdo, but follow a regular exercise plan, including activities that help develop lung capacity.
- Don't take any medicine on your own without asking your doctor first.
- Take all medicines your doctor prescribes, as much and as often as you are told.
- Avoid taking sleeping pills or sedatives, even if asthma keeps you awake. Prop yourself up with extra pillows until your asthma medicine takes effect.
- Avoid breathing in insecticides, deodorants, cleaning fluids, chlorine, or other irritating gases.
ASTHMA MEDICINES
Preventive Medicine
Your doctor knows that, besides relieving an attack when it happens, it is also important to prevent attacks from occurring in the first place. Therefore, he or she has prescribed for you cromolyn sodium, a medicine that prevents asthma attacks by making airways less sensitive to asthma triggers. It works by stabilizing cells in the airway lining called mast cells. During an asthma attack, these cells become unstable and give off chemicals called mediators that cause inflammation and asthma attacks.
By preventing mediator release, cromolyn sodium works to prevent asthma attacks.
Bronchodilators
When someone is having an asthma attack, he or she needs a medicine called a bronchodilator to open up (dilate) the blocked airways in order to relieve asthma attacks. Your doctor may have already prescribed this medicine for you to use at that time.
HOW WILL CROMOLYN SODIUM WORK FOR YOU?
To get the best possible results, follow your doctor's instructions carefully when you first take cromolyn sodium. Your doctor may tell you to take cromolyn sodium 10 to 15 minutes before you exercise or come into contact with a specific trigger, such as a cat. Usually, however, you will be told to take cromolyn sodium on a regular basis, probably starting at four times a day. It is crucial that you take cromolyn sodium, regularly, as otten as your doctor recommends, even though you have no asthma symptoms at the time. Cromolyn sodium starts working right away but when you first begin taking it, you may have a lot of inflammation in your airways. Therefore, it may take up to two weeks (or perhaps one month) of regular treatment to bring your asthma under control. Do not stop taking cromolyn sodium or skip any doses without first talking with your doctor.
When you start using cromolyn sodium for the first time, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary showing when you have any symptoms, if and when you have trouble sleeping, how often you wheeze or cough, and other notes to help determine how effective cromolyn sodium will be to help you prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor may also recommend the use of a peak flow meter daily to help you better assess your progress.
While taking cromolyn sodium on a regular basis, you may need to take a bronchodilator-type medicine to treat occasional symptoms or attacks. While taking cromolyn sodium, you should continue taking your other medications until your doctor advises you otherwise.
HOW TO TAKE CROMOLYN SODIUM
Be sure to follow instructions carefully when you are shown how to take cromolyn sodium inhalation solution.
CARE AND STORAGE
Cromolyn Sodium inhalation solution, USP should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Retain in foil pouch until time of use.
PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
Do not use if it contains a precipitate (particles or cloudiness) or becomes discolored.
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
NOTE: In case of difficulty consult your doctor or pharmacist
Instructions for the Use of
Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution, USP
An aqueous solution for nebulization
NOT FOR INJECTION
For best results, follow these instructions exactly and observe Care and Storage directions.
METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION
Cromolyn sodium inhalation solution is recommended for use in a power driven nebulizer operated at an airflow rate of 6-8 liters per minute and equipped with a suitable face mask. Hand operated nebulizers are not suitable for the administration of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution. Your doctor will advise on the choice of a suitable nebulizer and how it should be used. Do not use any appliance without consulting your doctor.
Drug stability and safety of cromolyn sodium inhalation solution when mixed with other drugs in a nebulizer have not been established.
DOSAGE
Nebulization should be carried out four times a day at regular intervals, or as directed by your doctor. Use the contents of a fresh vial each time.
INHALATION
Once the nebulizer has been assembled and contains cromolyn sodium inhalation solution, hold the mask close to the patient's face and switch on the device. The patient should breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose in a normal, relaxed manner. Nebulization should take approximately five to ten minutes.
- Remove a single unit-dose vial from strip (Figure 1).
- Open the unit-dose vial by twisting off the tabbed top section (Figure 2).
- Squeeze the contents of the unit-dose vial into the solution container of your nebulizer (Figure 3).
Discard the empty unit-dose vial.
Manufactured in Germany
for: Virtus Pharmaceuticals, LLC
VIRTUS®
PHARMACEUTICALS
Langhorne, PA 19047
