Type of Drug: Respiratory inhalant.

How the Nedocromil Sodium Works:

Nedocromil sodium inhibits the activity of inflammatory cells associated with asthma.

Uses of The Nedocromil Sodium:

As maintenance therapy in the management of mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Nedocromil sodium is not used to reverse acute bronchospasm.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to nedocromil sodium or any ingredient in the product.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if nedocromil sodium appears in breast milk.

Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 12 have not been established.

Side Effects of Nedocromil Sodium:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many nedocromil sodium users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; indigestion; diarrhea; stomach pain. Nervous System: Dizziness; headache; fatigue; difficulty speaking.

Respiratory System: Coughing; sore throat; congestion; upper respiratory tract infection; increased sputum; bronchitis; difficulty breathing; wheezing.

Other: Dry mouth; chest pain; viral infection; unpleasant taste.

Guidelines for Use:

• Proper inhalation technique is very important. Follow the directions that are in the patient information leaflet that is included with the medicine.
• Use continuously. Effectiveness depends on regularity of use, even during symptom-free periods.
• Notify your doctor if coughing or wheezing Occurs.
• Not for the treatment of an existing asthma attack. Nedocromil sodium should generally be continued during an asthma attack though, unless intolerance develops.
• This medicine should be added to your existing treatment therapy. Once a positive response is made to the inhaler, and the asthma is under good control, your doctor may gradually reduce your other medicine usage.

Ipratropium Bromide – Guidelines for Using Ipratropium Bromide – Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Respiratory inhalant; bronchodilator.

How the Ipratropium Bromide Works:

Ipratropium bromide blocks the action of the chemical transmitter acetylcholine when inhaled orally. Acetylcholine stimulates the muscles around the bronchial tubes (air passages in the lung) to spasm or constrict. This closes the bronchial tubes and makes it harder to breath. By blocking acetylcholine, ipratropium allows the muscles around the bronchial tubes to relax. This allow the bronchial tubes to open wider (bronchodilation) and makes it easier to breath.

Uses of The Ipratropium Bromide:

To treat bronchospasms (spasms of air passages) occurring in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations:

allergy to ipratropium bromide, atropine, or any of its anticholinergic derivatives

allergy to soya lecithin or related food products (eg, soybeans, peanuts) (aerosol only)

Use with caution in the following situations:

Acute bronchospasm attacks (eg, asthma attacks) enlarged prostate

Glaucoma, narrow-angle obstruction of the neck of the urinary bladder

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if ipratropium bromide appears in breast milk.

Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 12 years of age have not been established.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; stomach ache.

Nervous System: Headache; nervousness; dizziness; sleeplessness.

Circulatory System: Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat; palpitations (pounding in the chest); low blood pressure; increased blood pressure.

Skin: Rash; itching; hives; flushing; hair loss.

Respiratory System: Cough; difficulty breathing; bronchitis; bronchospasm; increased sputum; upper respiratory tract infection; respiratory disorder; sore throat; dry mouth or throat; hoarseness; sinus infection; nasal irritation or congestion; runny nose; blood-tinged mucus.

Other: Worsening of narrowangle glaucoma with acute eye pain; blurred vision; eye irritation; eye inflammation; ear ringing; tremors; pain; flu­like symptoms; joint, back, or chest pain; general pain; difficult urination; thirst.

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Use exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose unless directed by your doctor.
• If a dose is missed, inhale it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Shake the aerosol canister well before using.
• The pump requires 7 actuations to initiate first dose. If not used for more than 24 hours, the pump will require 2 actuations; if not used for more than 7 days, the pump will require 7 actuations to reprime.
• Use of a spacer (eg, OptiHaler) with the aerosol may increase the amount of medicine that gets into the bronchial tubes and its effectiveness.
• The aerosol contains enough medication for 200 inhalations. Discard the canister after you have used 200 inhalations. Use of the aerosol after ,200 inhalations will not provide the correct amount of medication.
• The aerosol total daily dose should not exceed 12 inhalations in
• 24 hours. If the recommended dosage does not provide relief or symptoms become worse, contact your doctor immediately.
• Do not use the aerosol with other inhaled drugs unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not use for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm in which rapid response is required. This medicine is considered maintenance therapy. Drugs with faster action may be preferred for initial therapy in this situation.
• Temporary blurring of vision, causing or worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma, or eye pain may occur if the drug comes into contact with the eye. For the solution form, use of a nebulizer with a mouthpiece (rather than a face mask) may be preferable to reduce the chance of getting the solution in the eyes.
• The solution can be mixed in the nebulizer with albuterol. The combination should then be used within 1 hour.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Aerosol- Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F). Avoid excessive humidity.
• Solution – Store at room temperature (59° to 86° F) away from light. Store unused vials in the foil pouch.