What is Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Azelastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your body.
Azelastine prevents sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.
Azelastine nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Azelastine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by azelastine.
Before using azelastine nasal, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by azelastine nasal.
Talk with your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine.
Before using azelastine nasal, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether azelastine nasal is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use azelastine nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Azelastine nasal should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.
Astelin Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using azelastine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- bronchospasm (shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing); or
- fast or uneven heartbeats
Less serious side effects may include:
- a bitter taste in your mouth
- headache
- drowsiness or dizziness
- dry mouth, sore throat
- burning in your nose
- weight gain
- nausea
- nosebleed
- cough, sneezing, runny nose, cold symptoms; or
- eye redness
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Astelin Interactions
What other drugs affect Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Before using azelastine nasal, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by azelastine nasal.
Also tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet).
There may be other drugs that can interact with azelastine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Azelastine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by azelastine.
Astelin Dosage
Astelin Dosage
How should I take Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Use azelastine exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
To use the azelastine nasal spray:
- Gently blow your nose before using the nasal spray
- The first time you use a new bottle, screw the pump device onto the bottle. Prime the unit by pumping 4 sprays into the air, away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time it has been longer than 3 days since you last used it
- Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up into your nose. Press your other nostril closed with your finger and keep your head upright. Pump the spray and gently inhale at the same time
- Use only the number of sprays prescribed by your doctor
- Clean the pump nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it
Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Store this medication at room temperature in an upright position, away from moisture and heat. Keep the dust cover on the spray nozzle when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness.
What happens if I miss a dose of Astelin (Azelastine Nasal)?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com