General Information on Intal
Intal is used for preventing asthma episodes in patients with bronchial asthma. This drug is also used for preventing bronchospasm due to air pollutants, certain chemicals, and exercise. The active ingredient in this drug is cromolyn sodium, which is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Intal works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals, called histamines, which causes the common symptoms associated with allergic reactions. The generic name of this drug is Cromolyn, derived from the name of the active ingredient used in the preparation.
This anti-inflammatory medication is available in form of Intal 8.1 g and 14.2 g containers. Each metered actuation releases 1 mg of cromolyn from the valve.
Side effects of Intal
Intal, like most other drugs, may cause certain side effects. The side effects of this drug vary from patient to patient. Some patients may experience no side effects; others may experience more than one side effect of this drug. Before you start treatment, talk to your doctor about the risk of using Intal and how you can minimize those risks.
Common side effects of this drug include: unpleasant or unusual taste in the mouth, irritated or dry throat, occasional or temporary cough, bleeding or burning of the nose, stomach pain, nausea, headache, heartburn, drowsiness, dizziness, general ill feeling, no or less than normal urination. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
In rare cases, Intal may cause an allergy. You must seek emergency medical assistance if you begin to suffer from any of the following signs of allergy- increased chest tightness, increased breathing difficulty, trouble swallowing, hives, facial flushing, or swelling of the upper face.
If you suffer from certain medical conditions, your doctor may ask you to undergo special tests or adjust the dosage to ensure that Intal is safe for you. That is why it is necessary that, prior to starting treatment, you inform your doctor about your medical history, especially of: liver disease, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorder, heart disease, or liver disease.
Intal is listed under pregnancy category B. That is, it is not expected to cause harm to fetus. With that said, it is necessary to mention that you should always consult your doctor before using Intal if you are pregnant. If you are planning to become or become pregnant during treatment, promptly inform your doctor about it.
The safety of Intal in lactating women has not been established. If you are breastfeeding, you must consult a doctor before you buy Intal.
Dosage of Intal
The recommended starting dosage for managing bronchial asthma is 2 metered inhalations of Intal 4 times a day at regular intervals. You should not exceed the aforementioned dosage. You should take inhalations at regular intervals for optimal benefit.
For the prevention of bronchospasm due to exercise or exposure to environmental agents or dry, cold air is 2 metered inhalations of Intal 15-20 minutes before exposure to bronchospasm-causing factor.
Interactions
Intal may interact with certain other drugs. Before you buy Intal, inform your doctor about all the other drugs that you are taking. This includes all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal drugs. In addition, while you are using Intal, you must consult your doctor before using any new medication.
