What is sodium cromoglicate?

Sodium cromoglicate is a type of drug know as a cromogen. It is a safe drug first used as an anti-inflammatory to treat asthma.

Unlike drugs that relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction, like salbutamol (an asthma drug), sodium cromoglicate is a preventative drug. It can be used for the nose to prevent inflammation, or as a tablet to prevent gastrointestinal sensitivity, such as those caused by food allergies.

The disadvantage of sodium cromoglicate is that it is not considered as strong as steroids in treating allergies and is not effective for all sufferers, however it is very safe.

Sodium cromoglicate is also known as cromolyn, cromoglycate and cromoglicic acid

Dr Peter Saul, MB ChB DRCOG DCH MRCGP, Allergy Specialist

10011 September 2011

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