Intal Inhaler (Cromolyn Sodium Inhalation Aerosol): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning

PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS

Drug Description

What is Intal and how is it used?

Intal is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Asthma and as a prophylaxis to exercise or allergy induced Bronchospasm. Intal may be used alone or with other medications.

Intal belongs to a class of drugs called Mast Cell Stabilizers.

It is not known if Intal is safe and effective in children younger than 2 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of Intal?

Intal may cause serious side effects including:

hives,
difficulty breathing,
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
worsening asthma symptoms,
coughing,
wheezing,
choking, and
other breathing problems after using the medicine

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Intal include:

sneezing,
stuffy nose,
cough, and
mild wheezing

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Intal. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient of Intal Inhaler is cromolyn sodium, USP. It is an inhaled anti- inflammatory agent for the preventive management of asthma. Cromolyn sodium is disodium 5,5'-[(2-hydroxytrimethylene)dioxy]bis[4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylate]. The empirical formula is C₂₃H₁₄Na₂O₁₁; the molecular weight is 512.34. Cromolyn sodium is a water soluble, odorless, white, hydrated crystalline powder. It is tasteless at first, but leaves a slightly bitter aftertaste. The molecular structure of cromolyn sodium is:

Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium) structural formula illustration

Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) is a metered dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation containing micronized cromolyn sodium, sorbitan trioleate with dichlorotetrafluoroethane and dichlorodifluoromethane as propellants. Each actuation delivers approximately 1 mg cromolyn sodium from the valve and 800 mcg cromolyn sodium through the mouthpiece to the patient. Each 8.1 g canister delivers at least 112 metered inhalations (56 doses); each 14.2 g canister delivers at least 200 metered inhalations (100 doses).

Indications

INDICATIONS

Intal Inhaler 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, Intal Inhaler is given by inhalation on a regular daily basis. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) The effect of Intal Inhaler is usually evident after several weeks of treatment, although some patients show an almost immediate response.

If improvement occurs, it will ordinarily occur within the first 4 weeks of administration as manifested by a decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms of asthma, or in the need for concomitant therapy, or both.

In patients who develop acute bronchoconstriction in response to exposure to exercise, toluene diisocyanate, environmental pollutants, known antigens, etc., Intal Inhaler should be used shortly before exposure to the precipitating factor, i.e., within 10 to 15 minutes but not more than 60 minutes. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Intal Inhaler may be effective in relieving bronchospasm in some, but not all, patients with exercise induced bronchospasm.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For management of bronchial asthma in adults and pediatric patients (5 years of age and over) who are able to use the Inhaler, the usual starting dosage is two metered inhalations four times daily at regular intervals. This dose should not be exceeded. Not all patients will respond to the recommended dose and there is evidence to suggest, at least in younger patients, that a lower dose may provide efficacy.

Patients with chronic asthma should be advised that the effect of Intal Inhaler therapy is dependent upon its administration at regular intervals, as directed. Intal Inhaler 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, exposure to cold, dry air, or environmental agents, the usual dose is two metered inhalations shortly before exposure to the precipitating factor, i.e., within 10 to 15 minutes but not more than 60 minutes.

Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) Therapy in Relation to Other Treatments for Asthma: Non-steroidal agents: Intal Inhaler should be added to the patient's existing treatment regimen (e.g., bronchodilators). When a clinical response to Intal Inhaler 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 Intal Inhaler may be titrated downward to the lowest level consistent with the desired effect. The usual decrease is from two metered inhalations four times daily to three times daily to twice daily. 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 inhalations per day, an increase in the dosage of Intal Inhaler 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 Intal Inhaler. If the patient improves, an attempt to decrease corticosteroids should be made. Even if the corticosteroid-dependent patient fails to show symptomatic improvement following Intal Inhaler 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 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. For best results, the canister should be at room temperature before use.

HOW SUPPLIED

Intal Inhaler is supplied as an aerosol canister which provides 112 metered dose actuations from the 8.1 gram inhaler and 200 metered dose actuations from the 14.2 gram inhaler. The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be assured after 112 actuations from the 8.1 gram canister or 200 actuations from the 14.2 gram canister even though the canister may not feel completely empty. The canister should be discarded when the labeled number of actuations have been used.

Each actuation delivers 1 mg cromolyn sodium through the valve and 800 mcg through the mouthpiece to the patient. The Intal Inhaler canister and accompanying mouthpiece are designed to be used together. The Intal Inhaler canister should not be used with other mouthpieces and the supplied mouthpiece should not be used with other products' canisters. Intal Inhaler is supplied with a white plastic mouthpiece with blue dust cap and patient instructions.

NDC 0585-0675-01...................14.2 g canister

NDC 0585-0675-02...................8.1 g canister

Store between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Contents under pressure. Do not puncture, incinerate, or place near sources of heat. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting. Avoid spraying in eyes. Keep out of the reach of children.

Note: The indented statement below is required by the Federal government's Clean Air Act for all products containing or manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

WARNING: Contains CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and CFC-114 (dichlorotetrafluoroethane), substances which harm public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

A notice similar to the above WARNING has been placed in the "Information For The Patient" portion of this package insert under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) regulations. The patient's warning states that the patient should consult his or her physician if there are questions about alternatives. Rx only

Distributed by: King Pharmaceuticals™, Inc. Bristol, TN 37620. Manufactured by: Health Care Specialties Division, 3M Health Care Limited, Loughborough, England LE11 1EP. FDA Rev date: 2/11/2004

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

In controlled clinical studies of Intal Inhaler, the most frequently reported adverse reactions attributed to cromolyn sodium treatment were:

Throat irritation or dryness
Bad taste
Cough
Wheeze
Nausea

The most frequently reported adverse reactions attributed to other forms of cromolyn sodium (on the basis of reoccurrence following readministration) involve the respiratory tract and are: bronchospasm [sometimes severe, associated with a precipitous fall in pulmonary function (FEV₁)], cough, laryngeal edema (rare), nasal congestion (sometimes severe), pharyngeal irritation, and wheezing.

Adverse reactions which occur infrequently and are associated with administration of the drug are: anaphylaxis, angioedema, dizziness, dysuria and urinary frequency, joint swelling and pain, lacrimation, nausea and headache, rash, swollen parotid gland, urticaria, pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia, substernal burning, and myopathy.

The following adverse reactions have been reported as rare events and it is unclear whether they are attributable to the drug: anemia, exfoliative dermatitis, hemoptysis, hoarseness, myalgia, nephrosis, periarteritic vasculitis, pericarditis, peripheral neuritis, photodermatitis, sneezing, drowsiness, nasal itching, nasal bleeding, nasal burning, serum sickness, stomachache, polymyositis, vertigo, and liver disease.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No information provided.

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) has no role in the treatment of an acute attack of asthma, especially status asthmaticus. Severe anaphylactic reactions can occur after cromolyn sodium administration. The recommended dosage should be decreased in patients with decreased renal or hepatic function. Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) should be discontinued if the patient develops eosinophilic pneumonia (or pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia). Because of the propellants in this preparation, it should be used with caution in patients with coronary artery disease or a history of cardiac arrhythmias.

PRECAUTIONS

General: In view of the biliary and renal routes of excretion for cromolyn sodium, consideration should be given to decreasing the dosage or discontinuing the administration of the drug in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.

Occasionally, patients may experience cough and/or bronchospasm following cromolyn sodium inhalation. At times, patients who develop bronchospasm may not be able to continue administration despite prior bronchodilator administration. Rarely, very severe bronchospasm has been encountered.

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/day three days per week), hamsters (intraperitoneal administration at doses up to 53 mg/kg/day three days per week for 15 weeks followed by 17.5 mg/kg/day three days per week for 37 weeks), and rats (18 months subcutaneous treatment at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day six days per week) showed no neoplastic effects. These doses in mice, hamsters, and rats correspond to approximately 40, 10, and 80 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis, or, approximately 20, 5, and 40 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in children on a mg/m² basis.

Cromolyn sodium showed no mutagenic potential in Ames Salmonella/microsome plate assays, mitotic gene conversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and in 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 220 and 130 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies with cromolyn sodium administered subcutaneously to pregnant mice and rats at maximum daily doses of 540 mg/kg/day and 160 mg/kg/day, respectively, and intravenously to rabbits at a maximum daily dose of 485 mg/kg/day produced no evidence of fetal malformations. These doses represent approximately 340, 210, and 1,200 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults 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, Intal Inhaler 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/day (approximately 340 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) did not cause significant increases in resorptions or major malformations. Isoproterenol alone at a dose of 2.7 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) increased both resorptions and malformations. The addition of 540 mg/kg/day of cromolyn sodium (approximately 340 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) to 2.7 mg/kg/day of isoproterenol (approximately 7 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation dose in adults on a mg/m² basis) appears to have increased the incidence of both resorptions and malformations.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk, therefore, caution should be exercised when Intal Inhaler is administered to a nursing woman and the attending physician must make a benefit/risk assessment in regard to its use in this situation. Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 5 years have not been established. For young pediatric patients unable to utilize the Inhaler, Intal Nebulizer Solution (cromolyn sodium inhalation solution, USP) is recommended. Because of the possibility that adverse effects of this drug could become apparent only after many years, a benefit/risk consideration of the long-term use of Intal Inhaler is particularly important in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of Intal Inhaler 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.

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

There is no clinical syndrome associated with an overdosage of cromolyn sodium. In several animal species acute toxicity with cromolyn sodium occurs only with very high exposure levels. No deaths occurred at the highest oral doses tested in mice, 8,000 mg/kg (approximately 5,100 and 2,700 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation doses in adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m² basis) or in rats, 8,000 mg/kg (approximately 10,000 and 5,400 times the maximum recommended daily inhalation doses in adults and children, respectively, on a mg/m² basis).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) is contraindicated in those patients who have shown hypersensitivity to cromolyn sodium or other ingredients in this preparation.

Clinical Pharmacology

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, at least in some patients.

Cromolyn sodium has no intrinsic bronchodilator or antihistamine activity. After administration of cromolyn sodium capsules by inhalation, approximately 8% of the total 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.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

INTAL® INHALER
(cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol)

Metered Dose Inhaler

For Oral Inhalation Only

Instructions for the Patient - illustration 1

1. Make sure the canister is properly inserted into the Inhaler unit. Take the cover off the mouthpiece. Shake the Inhaler gently. If the mouthpiece cover is not present, the Inhaler should be inspected for the presence of foreign objects.

Instructions for the Patient - illustration 2

2. Hold Inhaler and breathe out slowly and fully, expelling as much air as possible. Do not breathe into the Inhaler - it could clog the Inhaler valve.

3. Avoid spraying in eyes.

4. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth, close your lips around it, and tilt your head back. Keep your tongue below the opening of the Inhaler.

Instructions for the Patient - illustration 4

5. While breathing in deeply and slowly through the mouth, fully depress the top of the metal canister with your index finger.

Instructions for the Patient - illustration 5

6. Remove the Inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for several seconds, then breathe out slowly. This step is very important. It allows the Intal to spread throughout your lungs. Repeat steps 2-5, then replace the mouthpiece cover.

FOR BEST RESULTS:

Before using the Inhaler for the first time, or if it has not been used for a while, it's a good idea to test it. Just give the canister one press.
It is essential that the canister be pressed at exactly the same time as you breathe in, so it's worth some time practicing this.
The dose delivered from the Inhaler can be seen as a fine white mist. If any of this can be seen escaping from your mouth or nose, then you are not using the Inhaler correctly.
To keep your Inhaler in good working order, do not exhale into mouthpiece.
Keep the cap on the Inhaler while not in use so that dirt can't get into it. You can clean the Inhaler by removing the metal canister and rinsing the plastic mouthpiece in warm water. (See CLEANING Instructions.)
The correct amount of medication in each inhalation cannot be assured after 112 actuations from the 8.1 gram canister or 200 actuations from the 14.2 gram canister even though the canister may not feel completely empty. You should keep track of the number of actuations used from each canister of Intal Inhaler and discard the canister after 112 actuations from the 8.1 gram canister or 200 actuations from the 14.2 gram canister. Before you reach the specified number of actuations, you should consult your physician to determine whether a refill is needed. Just as you should not take extra doses without consulting your physician, you also should not stop using Intal Inhaler (cromolyn sodium inhalation aerosol) without consulting your physician.
For optimal results, the canister should be at room temperature before use.

HOW TO CHECK CONTENTS OF YOUR CANISTER

Shaking the canister will NOT give you a good estimate of how much medication is left. We have included a convenient check-off chart to assist you in keeping track of medication inhalations used. This will help assure that you receive the labeled number of inhalations present.

Each 8.1 gram Inhaler delivers 112 metered inhalations

Each 14.2 gram Inhaler delivers 200 metered inhalations

Intal® Inhaler Check-Off Chart

- Retain with medication or affix to convenient location.

- Starting with inhalation #1, check off one circle for each inhalation used.

- DISCARD MEDICATION AFTER THE LABELED NUMBER OF INHALATIONS HAVE BEEN USED

- NEVER IMMERSE THE METAL CANISTER IN WATER

IMPORTANT: Remember - a little time spent taking Intal correctly and regularly can save you from countless attacks of asthma and the upheaval they cause.

It must be used every day as directed by your doctor. Do not stop the treatment or even reduce the dose without consulting your doctor.

The Intal Inhaler canister and accompanying mouthpiece are designed to be used together. The Intal Inhaler canister should not be used with other mouthpieces and the supplied mouthpiece should not be used with other products' canisters.

DOSAGE: For management of bronchial asthma in adults and children 5 years of age and older, the usual starting dosage is two metered inhalations four times a day at regular intervals. When asthma symptoms are well controlled, your doctor may reduce the dose to three times a day, and sometimes two times a day.

For prevention of acute bronchospasm which follows exercise, exposure to cold, dry air, or environmental agents, the usual dosage is two metered inhalations shortly before exposure to the offending factor.

Use as directed by your physician.

CLEANING: Twice a week, remove the metal canister from the plastic mouthpiece. Wash the mouthpiece in warm water and dry thoroughly before replacing the metal canister. Never immerse the metal canister in water.

STORAGE: Store between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Contents under pressure. Do not puncture, incinerate, or place near sources of heat. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid spraying in eyes.

Note: The indented statement below is required by the Federal government's Clean Air Act for all products containing or manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This product contains CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and CFC-114 (dichlorotetrafluoroethane), substances which harm the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Your physician has determined that this product is likely to help your personal health. USE THIS PRODUCT AS DIRECTED, UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO OTHERWISE BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you have any questions about alternatives, consult with your physician.

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