Astepro

Generic Name: azelastine nasal (a ZEL uh steen)
Brand Names: Astelin, Astepro

What is Astepro?

Astepro (azelastine) is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your body.

Astepro prevents sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.

Astepro may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Astepro

Astepro 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 Astepro.

Before using Astepro, 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 Astepro.

Talk with your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Before using Astepro

You should not use Astepro nasal spray if you are allergic to azelastine. Before using Astepro, 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 Astepro 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 Astepro without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Astepro should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.

See also: Astepro pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I use Astepro?

Use the Astepro nasal spray 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 Astepro 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 Astepro nasal spray.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Store Astepro nasal spray 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 miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness.

What should I avoid while taking Astepro?

Astepro 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 Astepro.

See also: Astepro and alcohol (in more detail)

Astepro side effects

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 Astepro 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 Astepro 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.

See also: Astepro side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Astepro?

Before using Astepro, 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 Astepro.

Also tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet).

There may be other drugs that can interact with Astepro. 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.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Astepro Nasal Spray.