Sodium cromoglycate: a review.

Sodium cromoglycate is a drug widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. In vitro and animal models show that its effect is related to mast cell stabilization and to a direct action on inflammatory cells or the broncho-obstructive reflex. In man, sodium cromoglycate is able to prevent bronchoconstriction induced by a variety of stimuli including the 'late' reaction to allergen. It is also able to prevent the allergen-induced increase in hyperresponsiveness. Long-term therapeutic trials have confirmed its validity in the treatment of asthmatic patients.