Intal

Intal is a medicine that is used for preventing asthma attacks in both adults and children. The medication works by preventing mast cells in the body from releasing chemicals that cause asthma attacks. Intal, which is available by prescription, comes in the form of either an inhaler or a nebulizer solution. Potential side effects of the medicine include nausea, sore throat or dry throat, and nasal congestion.

 

What Is Intal?

Intal® (cromolyn inhalation) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks. Intal comes in two forms: the Intal inhaler and Intal nebulizer solution, which is inhaled using a nebulizer (a device that changes liquid medications into fine droplets that are inhaled into the lungs).
 
(Click Intal Uses for more information on what Intal is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Intal?

Intal is made by King Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Intal Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. If you have asthma, however, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating (see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
 
Intal is an asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. In response to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) and certain conditions, mast cells in the body (especially the lungs) release chemicals that cause the airways to react and tighten. By stabilizing the mast cells, Intal prevents the mast cells from releasing the chemicals, which prevents asthma attacks due to exercise, aspirin, cold air, and allergens.
 
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;