Cromoglicate

Cromoglicate (INN) (also referred to as cromolyn (USAN) or cromoglycate (former BAN)) is traditionally described as a mast cell stabilizer, and is commonly marketed as the sodium salt sodium cromoglicate. This drug prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine from mast cells.

Uses

It is available as a nasal spray (Rhynacrom®(UK), Nasalcrom®) to treat allergic rhinitis, as an inhaler (Intal®) to treat asthma, as eye drops (Opticrom® and Optrex Allergy® (UK), Crolom®) for allergic conjunctivitis, or in an oral form (Gastrocrom®) to treat mastocytosis) and ulcerative colitis.

Sodium cromoglicate has also been shown to reduce symptoms of food allergies, including some cases of chronic migraines.

Mechanism of action

The underlying mechanisms of action are not fully understood; for while cromoglicate stabilizes mast cells, this mechanism is probably not why it works in asthma. Pharmaceutical companies have produced 20 related compounds that are equally or more potent at stabilising mast cells and none of them have shown any anti-asthmatic effect.

It is known to somewhat inhibit chloride channels (37% +/- 7%) and thus may inhibit the:

  • exaggerated neuronal reflexes triggered by stimulation of irritant receptors on sensory nerve endings (eg. exercise-induced asthma)
  • release of preformed cytokines from several type of inflammatory cells (T cells, eosinophils) in allergen-induced asthma

    Note: Another chemical (NPPB (5-nitro-2(3-phenyl) propylamino-benzoic acid)) was shown, in the same study, to be a more effective chloride channel blocker.

    Finally it may act by inhibiting calcium influx.

    Cromoglicate is classified as a cromone.

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