Astelin

The active ingredient in Astelin is azelastine hydrochloride. It works by inhibiting histamine, a naturally occurring substance that causes sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Astelin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Astelin:

• Any Instructions for use that come with your medication should be carefully read and followed. If you have any questions about these instructions, ask your healthcare provider.
• You must prime the bottle of Astelin Nasal Spray before using it for the first time.
• Remove the blue safety clip directly beneath the pump's "shoulders" and the blue dust cover covering the pump's tip.
• With your thumb on the bottle's bottom and two fingers on the spray pump unit's shoulders, hold the bottle upright. For the pumping action, use your thumb to press upward and then release. Continue doing this until a fine mist appears.
• Pumping the spray quickly and applying pressure to the bottle's bottom will produce a fine mist. A stream of fluids indicates a malfunctioning pump and could cause nose irritation.
• This should take no more than four sprays.
• Using your nasal spray from Astelin.
• To clean your nostrils, blow your nose.
• Maintain a downward tilt of your head.
• Insert the spray tip into one nostril by about ¼ inch. Aim the spray tip at the back of your nose while holding the bottle upright.
• Using your finger, shut your other nostril. While keeping your head cocked forward and downward, press the pump once and take a small smell.
• Repeat with the other nostril.
• After using Astelin Nasal Spray, take a deep breath and avoid cocking your head back.
• This will lessen the likelihood that the medication may get stuck in your throat.
• Wipe the Astelin Nasal Spray tip with a fresh rag or tissue after using it. Replace the dust cover and safety clasp.

The most common side effects of Astelin include:

• Headache.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Nasal burning and discomfort.
• Weight gain.
• Sneezing.
• Dry mouth.
• Nose bleeds.
• Sore throat.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Astelin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions to Astelin such as irritation in the nose, skin rash, hives, or swelling.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Astelin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Astelin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider.

• Astelin may affect how you think or act. If you drive or engage in any other activity that calls for alertness, exercise caution. Inform your doctor before taking Astelin if you frequently use any other medications that cause you to feel drowsy, such as sedatives, narcotic painkillers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, cold or allergy medications, or medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures. They may exacerbate azelastine-induced drowsiness.
• Let your doctor know if you have recently had surgery on your nose or have ulcers in your nose.

You should not take Astelin if you have an allergy to azelastine or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.

Azelastine HCL nasal spray acts quickly, within 30 minutes, to treat the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

When Astelin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Amifampridine.
• Bupropion.
• Cimetidine
• Donepezil.
• Pitolisant.

The typical dose of 0.1% Azelastine nasal spray

Seasonal allergic rhinitis:

Children and adults aged 12 and up: Twice daily, one or two sprays in each nostril are the usual dosage.

Kids between the ages of five and eleven: Twice a day, one spray in each nostril is the usual dosage.

A stuffy or runny nose that isn't caused by allergies

Children and adults aged 12 and up: Two sprays in each nostril twice a day is the usual dosage.

Nasal spray with 0.15% azelastine:

Seasonal sensitivities

Children and adults aged 12 and up: One or two sprays in each nostril twice a day, or two sprays in each nostril once a day, is the usual dosage.

Children between the ages of 6 and 11: Twice a day, one spray in each nostril is the usual dosage.

Allergies throughout the year:

Children and adults aged 12 and up: Two sprays in each nostril twice a day is the usual dosage.

Children between the ages of 6 and 11: Twice a day, one spray in each nostril is the usual dosage.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can, but if your next dose is practically due, skip the missing one. Never take two doses at once.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze the nasal spray either.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Astelin is Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.

There are several lower-cost generic name versions available.

You risk having allergy symptoms again if you abruptly stop using the medication or don't take it at all. Talk to your doctor before stopping this medication.

Astelin is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If you take Astelin while nursing, your breast milk may taste bitter. Keep an eye out for indications that your infant is not nursing as well if you are breastfeeding while taking this medication. Consult your physician about the best way to feed your child.