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:
- headache,
- nasal irritation,
- sore throat,
- dry mouth, and
- sneezing.
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerWhat 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.
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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.
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.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Chronic RhinitisChronic 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.
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AllergyAn 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.
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Hay FeverHay 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.
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Allergic CascadeThe 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.
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Allergy Treatment Begins at HomeAvoiding 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.
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Sinus Infection vs. AllergiesBoth 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.
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COVID-19 vs. AllergiesThough 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.
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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.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives)
- fexofenadine (Allegra, Mucinex Allergy)
- loratadine and pseudoephedrine (Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Claritin-D, Claritin-D 24 hour)
- budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Allergy, Rhinocort Aqua)
- Nasal Allergy Medications
- Does Immunotherapy Work for Allergies?
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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.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information