Bronchial asthma is called chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. A feature of such a pathology is bronchial obstruction or narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi. This condition is caused by specific or non-specific immunological mechanisms, which are manifested by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and a feeling of stuffiness in the chest.
According to statistics, about 235 million people suffer from asthma. For the treatment of this disease, symptomatic agents are usually used that are designed to relieve recurring attacks, as well as medications that affect the pathogenetic mechanism of the disease.
One of the drugs that help reduce the signs of allergic inflammation in the respiratory tract is Intal. The price of this medication instructions for use, contraindications, composition and other information will be presented below.
The form of the drug and its composition
Instructions for use "Intala" reports that this drug is on sale in several forms:
- Gelatin capsules with a white or almost white powder of a homogeneous structure intended for inhalation.
- Metered-dose aerosol for inhalation (in aluminum cans, 112 doses each). After pressing the dispenser, a white powder remains at the spray evaporation site.
- Clear solution for inhalation.
The active ingredient in all three types of the drug is sodium cromoglycate. Also considered forms of drugs contain additional ingredients.
Operating principle
What is Intal medicine? The instruction says that this is a very effective and popular anti-allergic agent. Its principle of action is based on the ability of the active substance to stabilize mast cell membranes. Due to the presence of cromoglycic acid in the preparation, its use helps to stop the mast cell degranulation process, block Ca intake in them, and also slow down the release of bradykinin, leukotrienes, histamine, and other biologically active substances.
According to the instructions, Intal can prevent the formation of bronchospasm. It is actively used to prevent an allergic response.
With prolonged use of this drug in a patient with asthma, there is a decrease in the frequency of asthma attacks, the course of the disease is facilitated, and the need for taking bronchodilators and glucocorticosteroids also decreases.
When using such a drug, a stable effect is observed after ½-1 month. If the medication was used once, the result from its use can last up to 5 hours.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Is “Intal” absorbed into the systemic circulation? The composition of this medicine includes cromolyn sodium. Such a component is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract. It should be noted that after administration of the drug by inhalation, its highest concentration is reached after about 15 minutes. And only 8% of the administered dosage undergoes systemic absorption.
Is Intala active ingredient exposed to biotransformation? The instruction states that cromoglicic acid is not metabolized. This drug is excreted unchanged along with urine and bile (in equal quantities). As for the rest of the medicine, it leaves the lungs with exhaled air or settles on the walls of the oropharynx, and then is simply swallowed.
When is it prescribed?
Asthma inhaler "Intal" is often prescribed to people with this problem. Usually this drug is used for the prophylactic treatment of the aforementioned disease in adults and children. In addition to bronchial asthma, this tool is recommended for use in asthma of physical stress.
When is forbidden?
Intal asthma inhaler is contraindicated:
- in children under five years of age;
- if the patient has an increased sensitivity to any ingredients of the drug.
Cautious appointment
With extreme caution, the drug "Intal" and analogues of this medication are prescribed for patients with impaired renal and hepatic function. For diseases of these organs, treatment with the agent under consideration should take place under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is also advisable to reduce the standard dosage of the drug.
With the development of eosinophilic pneumonia, the use of the drug must be stopped.
The drug "Intal": instructions for use
Before using this drug, it is necessary to consult a specialist, as well as study the attached instructions.
Depending on the dosage form of Intala, its use may be different.
- Capsules with powder intended for inhalation.
In order to prevent asthma attacks, swallowing capsules inside is completely ineffective. Such a drug is used with the help of a spinhaler, inhaling the powder. One capsule with 20 mg of the drug is used four times a day: morning, afternoon (at intervals of 3-6 hours) and in the evening. If required, the indicated dose can be increased (for example, up to 160 mg).
One dose of this drug contains 1 mg of the active ingredient. It is used four times a day, 2-10 mg each. The dose can be increased (if required) to 2 mg with the use of the drug up to eight times a day. As soon as the necessary therapeutic effect is achieved, they switch to a maintenance amount of the drug, which will optimally control the course of the disease. In a severe pathological process, the dosage of the drug is increased to 20 mg, four times a day. Drug withdrawal is carried out gradually, over a week.
How to use the Intal solution for asthma? To do this, resort to the help of an inhaler and use 20 mg of the drug 4 times a day. Before the treatment procedure, the contents of the balloon are thoroughly shaken. During inhalation, a dose-control valve is placed at the bottom, and the container itself is held upright.
Adverse reactions
According to the instructions, Intal can contribute to irritation of the upper respiratory tract, unpleasant taste sensations, dry mouth, short-term bronchospasm, hoarseness and cough. With repeated bronchospasm, preliminary inhalation is done with a bronchodilator. As for the cough, it is calmed with water immediately after the procedure.
As with any inhalation treatment, immediately after inhalation of the drug, the patient may suddenly have bronchospasm. In such cases, the medicine must be canceled and the patient prescribed another therapy.
The above unwanted reactions can be reduced or eliminated when using Intala with a spacer.
The most rare side effects that occur during the use of the drug in question include conditions such as:
- difficulty or painful urination;
- headaches, anaphylaxis, dizziness;
- nausea, rapid urination, rash.
After discontinuation of the drug, an exacerbation of the disease is possible, as well as the appearance of eosinophilic lung infiltrate.
Extremely rarely, the Intal medication contributes to the occurrence of eosinophilic pneumonia.
It's important to know!
Before using Intal, you need to know the following:
- With simultaneous treatment of the patient with bronchodilators, the latter should be taken before the inhalation procedure.
- The drug in question is not used to relieve bronchospasm.
- The maintenance dosage of glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of Intalom can be reduced, and sometimes completely canceled.
- With a decrease in the dose of glucocorticosteroids, the patient should be under the supervision of a specialist. You should know that the rate of decrease in the amount of the drug should not be higher than 10% per week.
Similar means
Analogues of the drug "Intal" there are quite a lot. The most popular and affordable for patients are such similar drugs as “Cromoglin”, “Vividrin”, “Lekrolin”, “Kromosol”, “Taleum”, “Cromohexal”. All of these funds have their own pharmacological features, therefore, they should be used only as directed by a doctor.
Reviews about the drug, its cost
What do patients say about Intal? The reviews that can be found about the medication are versatile. Most often, this medicine is praised for its high effectiveness in bronchial asthma. At the same time, patients stipulate that the effect of the drug becomes noticeable only when it is used correctly, according to the instructions or prescription of the doctor.
Also among the reviews about the medicine "Intal" you can find negative statements of people. Some patients report that this drug had absolutely no effect on them. Moreover, they claim that the drug is unreasonably expensive and rather bitter in taste.
How much is 112 doses of Intal? The price of such a medicine in different cities and pharmacies may vary slightly. The average cost of a medication is 740 rubles. As for the drug for 200 doses, its price is about 600 rubles.