Question

Cromolyn sodium and Nedocromil prevent mast cell degranulation. What are they used for?

1) Asthma prophylaxis
2) Allergic reactions
3) Pain relief
4) Antibiotic treatment

Answer 1

Cromolyn sodium and Nedocromil are used for asthma prophylaxis by preventing mast cell degranulation, thus managing and preventing asthma symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cromolyn sodium and Nedocromil are used to prevent mast cell degranulation. They are used for asthma prophylaxis to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells, which can trigger bronchospasm and other allergic symptoms.

These medications are not typically used for immediate pain relief, antibiotic treatment, or as a primary treatment for allergic reactions, though they can help manage associated inflammation. Instead, antihistamines are often prescribed for allergic reactions, targeting different mechanisms such as preventing histamines from binding to receptors or stopping mast cells from releasing histamines. In the case of gastric ulcers, H₂-antihistamines are used to reduce gastric acid secretion, not cromolyn sodium or nedocromil.