Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site wanginst.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!wanginst!evans From: evans@wanginst.UUCP (Barry Evans) Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Re: Cromolyn Eyedrops (cromolyn sodium as Asthma treatment) Message-ID: <935@wanginst.UUCP> Date: Tue, 13-Aug-85 18:48:12 EDT Article-I.D.: wanginst.935 Posted: Tue Aug 13 18:48:12 1985 Date-Received: Wed, 14-Aug-85 23:48:22 EDT References: <344@rti-sel.UUCP> Distribution: net Organization: Wang Institute, Tyngsboro, Ma. 01879 Lines: 57 > I have bad pollen allergies from May through September, and my > ophthalmologist recently put me on eyedrops containing cromolyn sodium > (brand name: Opticrom). ... > ... is anyone familiar with the literature on cromolyn sodium and > its safety? Just what the heck IS cromolyn sodium, anyway? A friend > taking cortisone thought it was related somehow to cortisone. > > -- Cheers, Bill Ingogly Cromolyn Sodium in eyedrops? Interesting. I take that (prescription drug) in powder form called "Intal" for my asthma. It's been about nine years now, and haven't had any adverse side effects - but then I don't put it in my eyes. I accidently wiped my eyes once with some of the powder on my fingers... quite the burning sensation, I must say. Maybe it's just the concentration of the chemical? I'm not a chemist or pharmacists, so I haven't the slightest idea what it is. I suspect that the eyedrop form of this drug has been around in Europe for some time now, as when I started taking it for my asthma it had just been introduced in the U.S. after testing in other countries. But, as far as my asthma goes, the stuff works great... Before I started using cromolyn sodium I was averaging severe attacks once every day or two. I was about 13 years old at the time. I started with four inhalations daily, and within a month virtually all attacks had vanished and I was able to engage in much more physical activities/workouts. The attacks I did have while taking the drug were generally mild. Physical workouts (e.g. intense activity) would sometimes result in temporary mild attacks which would usually clear up without addition medication after the exertion was stopped. Several years later I entered college. The "new" environment allowed me to reduce dosage to twice daily (noticeably, i wasn't around cats and dogs). I later tried eliminating the drug all together. That experiment worked for a little while before unprovoked attacks began to occur. Eventually I started having attacks again on a regular basis, and my doctor was encouraging me to take medicines regularly. I dislike the idea of taking some asthma medicines because of the side effects (nausea, insomnia, the jitters, etc.) I finally asked him if I could start on the cromolyn again and he replied he doesn't normally prescribe that drug because people don't like the way the drug is administered; it is inhaled as a powder through the mouth. Myself, I don't care - it works. Currently, I'm taking the cromolyn sodium once daily, which seems to be enough for me at this time in my life. Once again I can sleep through the night without waking at 5am while gasping for air to reach for the Albuterol mist. I would be interested to talk with others who have experience with cromolyn sodium for asthma treatment, or to those who wish more information on it. -barry -- Barry Evans - Wang Institute (617) 649-9731 x383 [apollo, ucadmus, decvax, vaxine, masscomp]!wanginst!evans evans%WangInst@Csnet-Relay