Prescription Required
Description
What is Astelin Nasal Spray used for?
This medication is used to relieve nasal symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and post–nasal drops caused by various allergies and other conditions. Astelin works by blocking certain natural substances called histamines, which are responsible for nasal symptoms.
Directions
Follow the instructions, and test the spray in the air if you are using the pump for the first time, if you have not used it for 3 days or more. A fine mist is a good sign that the spray pump is working efficiently.
Gently blow your nose before using the medication, then use this medication in the nose as directed by your doctor. This is usually taken once or twice a day in both nostrils. Do not spray in eyes or mouth.
Remember that the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Keep track of the number of sprays you have used from the spray pump.
This medication usually begins to work within 3 hours of use.
Cautions
Before using azelastine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.
Side Effects
A bitter taste in the mouth, drowsiness, a burning feeling inside the nose, sneezing fits, cough, nose bleeds, runny nose, nausea, dry mouth, headache, weight gain, muscle aches, or red eyes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What is Azelastine?
Azelastine is the active ingredient found inside Astelin Nasal Spray, responsible for its therapeutic effects. Astelin Nasal Spray contains 137mcg of azelastine and can only be purchased with a valid prescription. This medication is an antihistamine with mass-cell stabilizing and anti-inflammatory effects; it is administered intranasally (insufflated through the nose).
What is Azelastine used for?
Azelastine is used for a variety of indications depending on the brand and form. For Astelin Nasal Spray, azelastine is used for the treatment of nasal symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis; these symptoms may include an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose. It may also help with symptoms of sneezing and post-nasal drip.
What is Azelastine hydrochloride?
If azelastine is the active ingredient that makes Astelin Nasal Spray therapeutically effective, why do some prescriptions say azelastine hydrochloride (HCL)? It’s because Astelin Nasal Spray is not technically made up of azelastine, but azelastine hydrochloride, the hydrochloride salt of azelastine. Before azelastine is formed into a nasal spray, it is first made into its existing salt form, which in the case of azelastine, is hydrochloride. If it wasn’t first turned into its salt form, it would not dissolve or absorb into the body very well and would therefore cause the medication to be less effective – if effective at all. So while azelastine has beneficial effects, it must first be turned into its salt form (azelastine hydrochloride) in order for its benefits to work. To prevent confusion, azelastine hydrochloride is commonly referred to as just azelastine.
What is the generic name for Azelastine?
Azelastine IS the generic name; Astelin Nasal Spray is the brand. The generic name for medication is commonly the name of the active ingredient that is inside the brand-name medication that the generic is replicating.
How long does Azelastine stay in your system?
Azelastine has a half-life of about 22 hours; based of the half-life, you can expect the medication to clear out of the system in roughly 110 hours, or 4 and a half days, following your last dose.
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