Sodium cromoglicate capsules for food allergy

About sodium cromoglicate

Sodium cromoglicate capsules or liquid are used to prevent the symptoms of food allergy. A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of your body's immune system to a particular food. Even a tiny amount of the food can cause an allergic reaction to take place, and this can range from a mild reaction to one that is severe. Foods that most commonly cause allergy are milk, eggs, nuts (especially peanuts), seeds, shellfish and other seafood, wheat, soya and some fruits such as citrus and kiwi.

The only real treatment for food allergy is to avoid that food. Because it can be very difficult to avoid certain foods completely, sodium cromoglicate is an anti-allergic medicine which is prescribed to help prevent allergic reactions from occurring. It also helps to reduce the severity of any symptoms that do occur. It works by preventing the release of certain substances in your body which cause the allergic reaction.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking sodium cromoglicate it is important that your doctor knows:

• אם את בהריון או מניקה.

• אם אתה נוטל או משתמש בתרופות אחרות כלשהן. זה כולל כל תרופה שאתה נוטל שניתן לרכוש ללא מרשם, כמו גם תרופות צמחיות ומשלימות.

• אם אי פעם הייתה לך תגובה אלרגית לתרופה.

• Before you (or your child) start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about sodium cromoglicate, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take the capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to. As a guide, the usual starting dose for adults and children over 14 years of age is: 200 mg (two capsules) four times daily. The usual starting dose for a child aged 2-13 years is: 100 mg (one capsule) four times daily. Your dose, however, may be higher or lower than this. Your doctor will tell you what dose is right for you, and the dose will be printed on the label of the pack of capsules to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• The capsules can be swallowed whole with a drink of water. Alternatively, if you prefer you can open up the capsules and mix the contents into a small amount of hot water. If you do this, make sure you add a little cold water before drinking it.

• Try to take each of your doses about 30-60 minutes before a meal.

• An oral liquid medicine is also available for younger children or people with swallowing difficulties. This comes as individual 5ml ampoules with a twist-off cap. Children should take one ampoule and adults take two ampoules per dose. The liquid medicine should be taken about 15 minutes before a meal. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is almost time to take your next dose then miss out the forgotten dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

• It is very important that you follow the advice you have been given about which foods you must avoid. Remember to check the labels on food packaging carefully.

• נסה לשמור על הפגישות הקבועות שלך עם הרופא. זה כדי שהרופא יוכל לבדוק את ההתקדמות שלך.

• If you have also been prescribed an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine), it is important that you carry this with you at all times and that you know how to use it if needed.

• More information about living with a food allergy is available in the condition leaflet called Food Allergy and Intolerance.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with sodium cromoglicate. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the capsules, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• שמור את כל התרופות מחוץ להישג ידם וראייתם של ילדים.

• יש לאחסן במקום קריר ויבש, הרחק מחום ואור ישיר.