How long before physical activity should cromolyn be taken for asthma management?

Cromolyn, a medication used for asthma management, is classified as a mast cell stabilizer. Its main function is to prevent the release of inflammatory chemicals that can trigger asthma symptoms. For it to be effective in preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, cromolyn should be taken 5-10 minutes before engaging in physical activity. This timeframe allows the drug to reach therapeutic levels in the airways quickly, effectively providing protection against asthma symptoms triggered by exercise.

Taking cromolyn at this short interval ensures that it can act swiftly to stabilize mast cells and prevent the onset of symptoms. Longer intervals, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour, may delay its onset of action, which is not ideal for pre-exercise administration. Additionally, while it could be taken at various times throughout the day for maintenance therapy, its specific timing right before exercise is crucial for immediate bronchial protection.