The actual role of sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of asthma--a critical review.
BACKGROUND
Despite international consensus and clearly written guidelines urging wider use of corticosteroids or combinations of inhaled short- and long-acting β-agonists (SABA and LABA) and corticosteroids in persistent asthma, prescribing patterns and compliance rates fall far short of recommendations.


OBJECTIVE
The failure to use steroids more aggressively is due, in part, to their side effects, even with inhaled forms of the drug. There is a role for expanded use of sodium cromolyn in asthma. Its potent anti-inflammatory effects, lack of side effects, and acceptable dosing and method of delivery, as well as its special role in exercise-induced asthma, make it a very suitable choice in the initial therapy for control of asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared to SABA and LABA, cromoglycates alone are unsuspicious of being used to enhance physical performance.
Hermann Buhl Institute for Hypoxia and Sleep Medicine Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. nikinetzer@yahoo.com
Nikolaus C
NC
Netzer
T
T
Küpper
Hans W
HW
Voss
Arn H
AH
Eliasson
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D055118:Medication Adherence; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium