Azelastine: Allergy Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)
Generic Name: azelastine
Brand Names: Astelin, Astepro
Drug Class: Allergy, Intranasal; Antihistamines, Intranasals
What is azelastine, and what is it used for?
Azelastine is an antihistamine, a chemical that blocks the effects of histamine, another chemical that is responsible for some of the symptoms in allergic reactions. Azelastine is chemically different from other antihistamines and is used only as a nasal inhaler for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching in adults and children. Azelastine was approved by the FDA in 1996.
Warnings
- Azelastine nasal spray can cause severe drowsiness. Do not use while engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle after administration of azelastine nasal spray.
- Do not take azelastine nasal spray with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur
What are the side effects of azelastine?
The most common side effect noted with azelastine is a bitter taste that develops in 1 of 5 persons using it. Tirednessoccurs in 1 of 9. Weight gain has been reported in 1 of 50 and muscle painin 1 of 75. Other reported side effects include:
- headache,
- nasal irritation,
- sore throat,
- dry mouth, and
- sneezing.
SLIDESHOW Common Allergies: Symptoms and Signs See Slideshow
What is the dosage for azelastine?
Azelastine generally is used as 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.
Health News
Is azelastine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Abnormalities in bones of the skeleton have been noted in animals receiving more than 240 times the human dose of azelastine. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Azelastine should be used during pregnancy only if the physician feels that the benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether azelastine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when azelastine is used by a nursing woman.
What else should I know about azelastine?
What preparations of azelastine are available?
Nasal spray: 137 mcg per spray.
How should I keep azelastine stored?
The nasal spray should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F - 86 F).
Summary
Azelastine is a drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (for example, runny nose, nasal itching, and sneezing). Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy information, dosing, and patient information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Allergies: 10 Ways to Reduce Mold Allergies WebMD shows you 10 ways to fight the fungus and reduce mold allergy symptoms from dust masks to bottles of bleach. -
Allergies Quiz: Symptoms & Home Remedies What are the causes of allergies? This online quiz challenges your knowledge of common food and household allergens,... -
10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of Control Learn 10 signs your allergies are out of control. See these surprising allergy symptoms and find out how to get relief for... -
10 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies See pictures of the top 10 "spring allergy capitals", according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). From... -
Allergies: Can You Learn to Breathe Better? Can you learn new techniques to breathe better? Healthy breathing helps you maintain the right balance of oxygen and carbon... -
12 Natural Ways to Defeat Allergies Allergies making you miserable? WebMD shows you a dozen natural allergy treatments, from fresh fruit and vitamin D to acupuncture...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Chronic Rhinitis Chronic rhinitis (non-allergic rhinitis) causes runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion. Post-nasal drip is the drainage of mucus from the sinuses into the throat. Treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications. -
Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock. -
Hay Fever Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms. -
Why Won’t My Allergy Symptoms Go Away? Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to certain substances as though they are harmful. Allergy symptoms may not go away unless you avoid your triggers, stick to your medications, find the right combination of medications, and consider surgery. -
Allergic Cascade The allergic cascade refers to allergic reactions that happen in the body in response to allergens. A variety of immune cells and chemical messengers participate in the allergic cascade. Symptoms of the allergic cascade range from mild swelling and itching to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Allergen avoidance and medications are used to prevent or treat allergies. -
Sinus Infection vs. Allergies Both sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). Allergic rhinitis occurs when certain allergies cause nasal symptoms. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander, symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, itching, sneezing, and fatigue occur. -
What Causes Allergy Flare-ups? During certain seasons, allergies can make you miserable. Learn what causes allergy flare-ups during spring and summer. -
Allergy Treatment Begins at Home Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies. -
Is Allergic Conjunctivitis the Same as Conjunctivitis? Allergic conjunctivitis may occur along with sneezing, runny nose, or sinus headache. Many people also find that they are tired and feel agitated. -
COVID-19 vs. Allergies Though there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Allergy and Asthma Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Medically Reviewed on 2/1/2024
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information