Astelin
Generic Name: azelastine (Nasal route)
a-ZEL-as-teen
Commonly used brand name(s):
In the U.S.
- Astelin
- Astelin Ready-Spray
- Astepro
Available Dosage Forms:
- Spray
Therapeutic Class: Nasal Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Antihistamine
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User Reviews & Ratings
Uses For Astelin
Azelastine nasal solution is used to help treat the symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itching) of seasonal (short-term) allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis.
This medicine works by blocking the effect of histamine on certain cells.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using Astelin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
This medicine has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in children, older than 5 years of age, than it does in adults.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of nasal azelastine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine has been used in a small number of older patients and is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Cimetidine
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Kidney disease—Blood levels of azelastine may be increased, leading to increased effects
Proper Use of azelastine
This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain azelastine. It may not be specific to Astelin. Please read with care.
This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.
Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose.
To prepare this medicine:
- Before you use a new bottle of azelastine spray, the spray pump will need to be primed (started). If your pharmacist assembled the unit for you, check to see if it has already been primed by pumping the unit once. If a full spray comes out, the unit has already been primed; if not you must prime the pump.
- To prime a new bottle, hold the bottle upright and away from you, then pump it four times or until you see a fine spray.
- If you have not used the spray for 3 or more days, pump it two times or until you see a fine spray.
To keep the applicator clean, wipe the nosepiece with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap after each use.
Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For nasal dosage form (nose spray):
- For treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis:
- Adults and teenagers—Use 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril two times a day.
- Children 5 to 11 years of age—Use 1 spray in each nostril two times a day.
- Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of vasomotor rhinitis:
- Adults and teenagers—Use 2 sprays in each nostril two times a day.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Store the bottle upright with the pump tightly closed.
Precautions While Using Astelin
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if used at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Keep the spray away from the eyes because this medicine may cause irritation or blurred vision. Closing your eyes while you are using this medicine may help keep it out of your eyes.
Astelin Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare- Blood in urine
- cough
- eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision or other change in vision
- rapid heartbeat
- shortness of breath, tightness in chest, troubled breathing, or wheezing
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- sores in mouth or on lips
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common- Bitter taste in mouth
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- Bloody mucus or unexplained nosebleeds
- burning inside the nose
- dizziness
- dryness of mouth
- headache
- muscle aches or pain
- nausea
- sore throat
- sudden outbursts of sneezing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- weight gain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
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