What are "cromolyn" and "nedocromil"?

What are "cromolyn" and "nedocromil"?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How is asthma treated?; How important is it to identify my asthma triggers?; What side effects should I expect from my asthma medication? and more...

Cromolyn and nedocromil are two medications that are classified as MAST cell stabilisers. The way they work is they prevent the MAST cell from releasing the chemical mediators of inflammation, in other words, the cell is stabilized so that it doesn't release the histamines, the leukotrienes and the other chemicals that cause the allergic and asthmatic response. The problem with cromolyn and nedocromil is that they are not as effective as the inhaled corticosteroids. They have to be taken several times a day. Cromoyln is available in a dry powder inhaler, in a nebulised form, and also in a metered dose inhaler. Nedocromil is only available in metered dose inhalers. These drugs were used many years ago before inhaled corticosteroids became more available to physicians.