[Cromoglycic acid (disodium cromoglycate) and inhibitors of mast cell degranulation]

Cromoglycic acid (disodium cromoglycate) is a diacromone derived from khelline whose chief action in asthma is preventive, through inhibition of mastocyte degranulation. Since its digestive absorption is poor, it is given locally as a pulverulent aerosol. Cromoglycic acid is also used successfully in certain forms of ocular and nasal allergy. An oral preparation of cromoglycic acid is beginning to be used in food allergy and certain rectocolites. Trials are ongoing with several other substances, which have comparable properties and are active orally.