Cromolyn sodium

Cromolyn sodium is a valuable agent in the pharmacologic management of asthma. In addition to its established effects of inhibiting mediator release, it now appears that it is a useful drug for diminishing the effects of reflex-mediated asthma, nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity, and diurnal swings of bronchial lability. Because of these unique prophylactic properties, the availability of a nebulized aqueous solution delivery system and recent clinical reports showing that its efficacy is comparable to theophylline, cromolyn sodium should be reconsidered as a first-line antiasthmatic drug in the United States.