AUROCROME

Indications

• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Systemic mastocytosis
• Ulcerative colitis

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing guidelines in paediatric patients.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing recommendations based on the condition being treated.

Mechanism of action

Cromoglicate inhibits degranulation of mast cells, which prevents the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A). It may also reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes by inhibiting calcium influx into mast cells. Cromolyn has been shown to suppress the activation effects of chemoattractant peptides on human leukocytes, thereby mitigating allergic responses.

Pharmacodynamics

Cromoglicate effectively inhibits antigen-induced bronchospasms and is beneficial in treating conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is also used ophthalmically to treat conjunctivitis and orally for systemic mastocytosis and ulcerative colitis. The compound's efficacy relies on its ability to stabilize mast cells and prevent the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Pharmacokinetics

Cromolyn is poorly absorbed systemically when administered orally; hence, its effects are primarily localized to the site of administration. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine. Pharmacokinetic properties may vary based on the route of administration, with inhaled forms providing targeted delivery to the respiratory tract.

Adverse effects

• Cough
• Throat irritation
• Nausea
• Headache

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to cromolyn.
• Monitor patients for worsening asthma symptoms.

Pregnancy

Cromolyn is classified as category B. Animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Breast-feeding

Cromolyn is excreted in breast milk, but the effects on the nursing infant are unknown. Caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing mother.

Storage

Store below 25 degrees Celsius. Protect from light and moisture.

Formulations

• Inhalation solution
• Ophthalmic solution
• Oral solution

Mechanism of action

Cromoglicate inhibits degranulation of mast cells, subsequently preventing the release of histamine and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A), mediators of type I allergic reactions. Cromoglicate also may reduce the release of inflammatory leukotrienes. Cromoglicate may act by inhibiting calcium influx. One important action of cromolyn is believed to be the inhibition of pulmonary mast cell degranulation in response to a variety of stimuli, including the interaction between cell-bound IgE and specific antigen. ... The release of histamine and other granular contents, as well as the production of leukotrienes, can be shown to be markedly reduced in vitro by cromolyn. However, its efficacy and potency are highly dependent on the source of the mast cells. ... Attention has been focused on the ability of cromolyn to reverse various functional changes in leukocytes obtained from the blood of asthmatic subjects undergoing allergen challenge, such as increased expression of membrane-bound receptors. ... Low concentrations (100 nM) of cromolyn can suppress completely the activation effects of chemoattractant peptides of human neutrophils, eosinophils, or monocytes. The mechanisms of action of cromolyn remain relatively poorly defined. Most attention has been focused on the ability of cromolyn to reduce the accumulation of intracellular Ca +2 induced by antigen in sensitized mast cells. One biochemical correlate of the reduction of histamine release from mast cells by cromolyn is the enhanced phosphorylation of a 78,000-dalton protein. Unfortunately, these observations have been made using rather high concn of cromolyn (50 to 200 uM), and their relationship to therapeutic response has yet to be established. For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for CROMOLYN (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Pharmacodynamics

Cromoglicate or cromolyn (USAN), a synthetic compound, inhibits antigen-induced bronchospasms and, hence, is used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Cromoglicate is used as an ophthalmic solution to treat conjunctivitis and is taken orally to treat systemic mastocytosis and ulcerative colitis.