Azelastine nasal and Bad Taste: What Users Say

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "Bitterness. Bitter is not even the right word. It's like chewing aspirin that's been soaking in battery acid and letting that linger in the back of your throat for five hours. It is effective, however. But the taste is so bad I almost cannot bring myself to use it. I will try standing on my head next time (no kidding) and gargling all day with Listerine. They must fix this -- it's unbearable."

• hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2017

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have been on this medicine for 3+ months now and I am in love! I have a severe allergy to mold and was temporarily working in a home that definitely has mold issues. I started this nasal spray and had instantaneous relief from achy sinus pressure and a sore throat. It's my godsend! The only downfall is the taste in the back of your throat. However, if you actually read the directions and follow them, it won't happen. If you lean your head forward and sniff gently ONLY AFTER spraying, you will not get it in the back of your throat and there won't be a bitter taste."

• hap...
• October 11, 2020

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "I was prescribed this for allergies. I find it works really well and does not make me drowsy. I have used Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec but find that Astelin works faster and takes care of my seasonal allergies, especially the sinus congestion. It works fast and provides me all-day relief I was not getting from other medications. I do not use it daily, only when my symptoms are occurring. The taste is bitter, I keep Altoid mints with me to get rid of the aftertaste."

• hap...
• October 11, 2020

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "I was prescribed this for allergies. I find it works really well and does not make me drowsy. I have used Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec but find that Astelin works faster and takes care of my seasonal allergies, especially the sinus congestion. It works fast and provides me all-day relief I was not getting from other medications. I do not use it daily, only when my symptoms are occurring. The taste is bitter, I keep Altoid mints with me to get rid of the aftertaste."

• All...
• September 11, 2019

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "After the CT scan that revealed no internal issues, he knew it was allergies and ordered an allergy test which showed severe allergies. He prescribed this! The moment I took this, I could breathe within 15 minutes. The taste can take some getting used to, but so what? Your doctor prescribes things because the pros outweigh the cons, and you can't judge a medication just because of using it a time or two! I would rather adjust to the unpleasant taste a million times again as long as I never have to deal with sinus misery again. With that being said, I hate relying on meds in general, and here's to hoping my 5 years' worth of allergy shots he ordered me to will eliminate them all!"

• Son...
• February 4, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "I am 59 years old and can't remember a time I didn't use Afin nasal spray or one of those. I have horrible nasal congestion and will do anything to unstop my nose. I was so tired of that rebound effect. ENT told me to try Astelin. Used a coupon to get it. I am so glad I read the attached paperwork. So I found if you hold your head down and spray, you won't get that bad taste. Since starting, I feel no more congestion, it instantly unstops my nose. The only thing it makes me feel is a little like I am hungover in the morning."

• Bee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "I've had ongoing allergy problems for many years. I am 50. I have taken all of the allergy medicines and used Flonase for a long time and still had a serious sinus infection almost every two months. I am also a primary school teacher. I currently teach in a school that's quite old, dusty, and moldy. My doctor recently prescribed Azelastine. I use it at bedtime... only one spray on each side. I use Flonase in the morning before work. I have seen a SIGNIFICANT improvement with congestion and a runny nose. I'm used to the 'bitter' taste that everyone mentions with it; however, the relief I have is well worth it!"

• K M...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "Had a 10-year allergic cough. Had been using Flonase twice a day with Singulair and Zyrtec without relief. Had a blocked nose for as long as I can remember. The effects of azelastine are almost instant. The taste is awful, but it is insignificant in relation to opening my sinuses. I have been able to stop using Zyrtec altogether and only use Flonase once a day. Will attempt to wean off Singulair next. An amazing med."

• Max...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "This was just awful for me. From the very first use, I only did one spray per nostril as directed. I had immediate burning, itching, a bad taste in my throat, lots of tearing, runny nose. As soon as it calmed down, I started feeling drowsy. Like I could hardly keep my head up. I may be allergic to an allergy medication. That seems so wrong!"

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "Suffered from near-constant allergic congestion my entire life. Claritin D would bring some relief, but not good for blood pressure. Doctor prescribed Azelastine, and I LOVE it! No more congestion, period. No side effects either; I haven't experienced the taste issues others report."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "My seasonal allergies are so severe that I’ve been hiding from society because people will think I have COVID. I’ve had the itchy throat for three months now. Puffy and tender spots around my nose. I get this way every spring. My cough keeps my husband up at night. My doctor put me on a cocktail of medication: Allegra, Flonase, azelastine. I tried it today for the first time. Two sprays in each nostril. When it trickled down the back of my throat, the taste was so horrible I started throwing up. It was traumatizing. Also, my food has tasted different all day. My taste is completely different. Is this normal? Even when I drink water, it gives it a completely different and gross taste. I just want this out of my system like now!!"

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "The first time I used it, my allergies and congestion went away almost instantly. But what happened even faster was that horrific taste in the back of my throat. I have experienced a bad taste with Nasalcort as well, but that was mild and went away within 10 minutes. The aftertaste of this drug is probably 5x worse and lasted about 6 hours. Nothing I ate or drank would mask it. The second time I used it was about 15 minutes ago. This time it shot further forward onto my tongue, and I’m really dreading this. If there was a way to stop the taste, the drug would be fantastic."

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "The first time I used it, my allergies and congestion went away almost instantly. But what happened even faster was that horrific taste in the back of my throat. I have experienced a bad taste with Nasalcort as well, but that was mild and went away within 10 minutes. The aftertaste of this drug is probably 5x worse and lasted about 6 hours. Nothing I ate or drank would mask it. The second time I used it was about 15 minutes ago. This time it shot further forward onto my tongue, and I’m really dreading this. If there was a way to stop the taste, the drug would be fantastic."

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "The first time I used it, my allergies and congestion went away almost instantly. But what happened even faster was that horrific taste in the back of my throat. I have experienced a bad taste with Nasalcort as well, but that was mild and went away within 10 minutes. The aftertaste of this drug is probably 5x worse and lasted about 6 hours. Nothing I ate or drank would mask it. The second time I used it was about 15 minutes ago. This time it shot further forward onto my tongue, and I’m really dreading this. If there was a way to stop the taste, the drug would be fantastic."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 15, 2016

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have pretty much constant allergies - all year I'm sneezing and clearing my throat. That has completely stopped by taking this spray twice a day. I cannot say enough good things about it. I initially had the bad taste and minor stinging. The stinging went away after a few uses. The bad taste was due to me not reading the directions! It clearly says to tilt your head downward when spraying. I started doing this and have had zero aftertaste. When it is severe allergy season, I use this with Nasacort. Works like a charm. If you're on the fence about taking this, give it some time. You'll be glad you did."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "Wow! I have fought with a clogged nose since I can remember. Prescribed by my ENT and noticed a HUGE difference after the first dose. Using both azelastine and Flonase, two sprays in each nostril twice a day. Had been using the same dose of Flonase, but without the azelastine and still had not just stuffy but clogged nostrils. I have not noticed any bad taste, even when using right before bed and lying on my back. And I have NO sneezing! I am amazed... I sneeze 3 times many times a day. Hoping this continues to be effective!"

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2022

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "Caused intense delayed drowsiness and grogginess - as bad or worse than Benadryl, even using a half dose. I took for 3 days in the morning, and every day on Astepro I had to nap in the afternoon because I was unable to maintain consciousness. I never nap normally. Reduces nasal allergies, but at what cost? Also, it's a huge metered dose with a very unpleasant taste."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2008

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "I have been on various nasal sprays and antihistamines every spring and fall for years. I kept getting sinus infections, severe sore throats, and having problems with my ears. Nothing was very effective until my doctor prescribed Astelin. It has been wonderful! The bitter taste I get if I sniff too hard is well worth the relief it gives me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2017

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have had a cough from allergies for almost a year now. I was prescribed an oral medication and Flonase. They had no effect on my itchy throat. I was prescribed azelastine, and immediately after using it, my throat stopped itching. This cough has been tormenting for a long time, and now it is gone. It's unbelievably wonderful! It did have a really bad taste that gagged me, but I don't care! Next time I will try to lean forward more when I use it."

• ski...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

Azelastine nasal for Allergic Rhinitis "Astepro nasal spray helped me breathe the first time that I used it, but there was a nasty taste that lingered after each use. Brushing teeth and using mouthwash does not get rid of the aftertaste, and it lingers for hours. It ruined my taste for food and drink. I also experienced a sore throat while using the nasal spray."

• How...
• June 26, 2018

For Allergic Rhinitis "Year-round congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and sinus infections lead my complaints. I began azelastine per my ENT's strong suggestion and am now in my seventh month of use and feel virtually allergy-free. Most surprising for me has been the dramatically reduced congestion, something no antihistamine has ever done for me. And no side effects for me-a first among the most effective allergy meds I've tried-and no steroid worries. Actually makes me a bit worse for 5-10 minutes right after spraying, then rapidly better and hitting full stride for hours 2-10, sometimes longer. Mildly bitter taste until I improved my spray technique. I have rarely thanked a doctor so sincerely for recommending a med. I'll likely be using this spray and technique (1 spray/side, twice daily) every day for many years to come. How nice to breathe fresh air again, without drowsiness."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "I had been using Flonase with incredible success until I started getting nosebleeds. My ENT told me to stop with the Flonase and prescribed this azelastine: 2 sprays each nostril 2x per day. I used it this morning, and it will definitely be the last time I ever do. The bitter taste was unbearable, but I should have read the directions for how to administer more closely. I'm sure I can figure out a workaround for that. But not the headache. I am sitting here with a massive headache and groggy feeling that is literally wrecking my workday. As you can see, I'm sitting here reading instead of getting any work done. This is one of the worst headaches I've had in a long time, and I just want to lay down on the floor of my office and go to sleep. I would highly recommend trying it at home during a weekend in case you have a similar experience."

• Ron...
• December 22, 2016

For Allergic Rhinitis "Tried many different pills and Flonase, and none ever worked and just made me sleepy. Azelastine is a miracle for me. I had a horrible itchy nose and constant sneezing/runny nose all day, and my eyes felt puffy and were watery randomly during the months. Azelastine is the only thing that has completely cleared my symptoms not even 5 minutes after the spray. When I first used it, it did make my nose feel bubbly and it was uncomfortable, but after continued use, I don't have this issue any longer. The taste is bitter, but I would rather deal with that than the all-day horrid issues I was dealing with. Also, it seems to wake me up and give me energy when I take it. Very weird since I don't see anyone else mention this, but it's a nice effect for me."

• Jj3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "Leaves a horrible bitter taste in the back of your throat, but this stuff works at drying up post-nasal drip and a clogged nose due to seasonal allergies. Just don’t tilt your head back so that the taste isn’t too horrible, and you should be fine. Don’t expect for food to taste the same for the next few hours, though."

• Mel...
• February 3, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "I had issues with it since day one and only took it for a week and had to call it quits. I had a bitter taste in my mouth for hours or all day/every day because I was prescribed it two times a day. I also had sneezing, an itching nose, felt like I had dry cotton mouth all day, and night was bad, drowsiness, really bad headaches, and the worst part was my nosebleeds came back by like day three of being on it. I went to see a doctor because I was tired of nosebleeds and found out I have a 16mm nasal polyp with post-nasal drip. I took it for like a week and it bled every day, and I tried just regular saline nasal spray to put moisture back in my nose, and it doesn't help. I had no choice but to stop. Even after I stopped, it took a week or two to feel like I was back to normal, but now I'm wondering if I did some damage to my nose because it's been about two weeks off, and I had a bad nosebleed just yesterday, and I barely blew my nose. So, my experience was not so good."