Nedocromil sodium is primarily indicated as a preventive drug in the management of asthma-associated chronic inflammation. If used appropriately in this manner, it is effective in improving symptom scores, reducing use, and in some cases, other concomitant medications such as inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn sodium. Clinical dosing is based on its long-term preventive effects. Because it is not a bronchodilator, it is not indicated in the treatment of acute asthma. Long-term use of nedocromil sodium is generally safe.
Nedocromil sodium is clinically useful in the preventive treatment of mild and moderate asthma.
Systemic corticosteroids should be considered in the management of acute asthma when the patient does not respond readily to bronchodilators. Early use of corticosteroids shortens the course of asthma, prevents relapses, and reduces the need for hospitalization. The early use of corticosteroids is of particular importance in patients who have a history consistent with fatality-prone asthma. Intravenous corticosteroids may be lifesaving in the treatment of severe intractable asthma. After episodes of severe intractable asthma, complete restoration of pulmonary function may require weeks of treatment.