azelastine

Medically Reviewed on 2/1/2024

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. Tiredness occurs in 1 of 9. Weight gain has been reported in 1 of 50 and muscle pain in 1 of 75. Other reported side effects include:

QUESTION

Allergies can best be described as: See Answer

What is the dosage for azelastine?

Azelastine generally is used as 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.

Which drugs interact with azelastine?

Azelastine can promote the sedating effects of other medications that cause sedation. Such drugs include narcotic pain relievers (for example, oxycodone and acetaminophen [Percocet]), barbiturates, sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), and ethanol.

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.

Treatment & Diagnosis

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See more info: azelastine on RxList
Medically Reviewed on 2/1/2024
References
Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information