a form of 3 -- 3 -- 5 - indol - 2 - yl ]- 2 , 2 - dimethylpropanoic acid sodium salt , obtained by freeze or spray drying , is more soluble in water than the crystalline form thereof . the compound is useful as an anti - asthmatic , anti - allergic , anti - inflammatory , or cytoprotective agent . it is also useful in treating diarrhea , hypertension , angina , platelet aggregation , cerebral spasm , premature labor , spontaneous abortion , dysmenorrhea , and migraine .