Azelastine Nasal Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2024.

Applies to azelastine nasal: nasal spray.

Precautions

Your doctor should check you or your child at regular visits for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that makes you drowsy or less alert). 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 dizzy or 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.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of azelastine nasal

Along with its needed effects, azelastine nasal 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking azelastine nasal:

Other side effects of azelastine nasal

Some side effects of azelastine nasal 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to azelastine nasal: nasal spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions were headache, bitter taste, sinusitis, and epistaxis.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, nasal discomfort, upper respiratory infection, sneezing, nasal mucosal ulceration, sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Nasal burning, throat irritation, dyspnea, paroxysmal sneezing^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Local

• Postmarketing reports: Application site irritation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Bitter taste (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, somnolence, dysgeusia
• Postmarketing reports: Sweet taste, confusion, dizziness, nervousness, paraesthesia, parosmia, involuntary muscle contractions, disturbance or loss of sense of smell and/or taste^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Atrial fibrillation, chest pain, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Urticaria, pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain, nausea^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Postmarketing reports: Facial edema, tolerance^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision, xerophthalmia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Urinary retention^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Azelastine nasal side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer