Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers are used to prevent asthma attacks, especial-ly in a child or a patient with mild disease. They’re also used in an adult or child with mild to moderate persistent asthma. Drugs in this class include:

·                 cromolyn

·                 nedocromil.

Pharmacokinetics

Mast cell stabilizers are minimally absorbed from the GI tract; they’re available in inhaled forms that exert their effects locally.

Pharmacodynamics

These drugs stabilize the mast cell membrane, possibly by inhibit-ing calcium channels, thus preventing the release of inflammatory mediators.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Mast cell stabilizers are used for the prevention and long-term control of asthma symptoms. They do this by controlling the in-flammatory process.

Number 1 for children

Mast cell stabilizers are often used for children and patients with exercise-induced asthma.

Drug interactions

Interactions are uncommon when using inhaled forms. (See Ad-verse reactions to mast cell stabilizers.)