Astelin Nasal Spray: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Astelin Nasal Spray contains azelastine hydrochloride, a nasal antihistamine. It is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and other nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as ongoing nasal symptoms not caused by allergies (vasomotor rhinitis). It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body to reduce allergy symptoms. It is available as a metered-dose nasal spray for use in the nose only.

What is Astelin Nasal Spray

Astelin is an antihistamine nasal spray that reduces the effects of a natural body chemical called histamine. Histamine causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Astelin Nasal Spray uses

• Treats sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and other nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children age 5 and older
• Treats ongoing nasal symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, post nasal drip, congestion) not caused by allergies (vasomotor rhinitis) in adults and children age 12 and older

Benefits of Astelin Nasal Spray

• Reduces nasal symptoms including stuffy nose, runny nose, itching, and sneezing
• Begins working in about 2 hours, with effects lasting 12 to 24 hours
• Works locally in the nose to reduce inflammation and discomfort without needing a pill
• Provides direct nasal antihistamine treatment
• Can relieve multiple nasal allergy symptoms
• Suitable from age 5 years for seasonal allergic rhinitis

How Astelin Nasal Spray works

Azelastine blocks histamine receptors (called H1-receptors) in the body, which stops histamine from causing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

Astelin Nasal Spray dosage

Astelin is for use in the nose only — do not spray into eyes or mouth. Prime the pump before using it for the first time, and reprime if it has not been used for 3 or more days. Keep your head tilted downward (toward your toes) when spraying into your nostril. Blow your nose to clear your nostrils before using the spray, and alternate which nostril you spray each time. Breathe in gently and do not tilt your head back after spraying, so the medicine does not run down your throat. Wipe the spray tip clean and replace the safety clip and dust cover after each use. Do not allow a young child to use the spray without help from an adult. Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Available forms and strengths

• Nasal spray (metered-dose spray solution)

Side effects of Astelin Nasal Spray

Common

• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Headache
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Nasal burning, stinging, or irritation
• Sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Dry mouth
• Sneezing fits
• Nausea
• Rhinitis
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Weight increase

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Fast or uneven heartbeats
• Tightness in chest or feeling short of breath

Warnings and precautions

• Astelin can make you sleepy or affect your thinking and reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
• Do not use Astelin together with alcohol or other medicines that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives, strong pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety, since they can add to the sleepiness caused by this medicine.
• Avoid spraying Astelin into your eyes.
• Keep Astelin out of the reach of children. If a child accidentally swallows it, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Astelin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• It is not known if azelastine passes into breast milk. Using Astelin while breastfeeding may cause breast milk to taste bitter, so watch for signs your baby is not nursing well, and talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
• People with reduced kidney function had higher levels of the medicine in their blood after taking it by mouth, compared to people with normal kidney function.
• Liver problems did not change how the oral form of this medicine was processed by the body in studies.
• Do not drink alcohol while using Astelin, since it can increase drowsiness and other side effects of the medicine.
• Astelin can make you sleepy. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.

Storage

• Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
• Protect from freezing
• Keep bottle upright
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label and carton
• Throw away the bottle after 200 sprays have been used, even if it is not completely empty
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using Astelin and call your doctor right away if you have fast or uneven heartbeats, chest tightness, or feel short of breath.
• If someone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Alternatives

• Olopatadine nasal spray
• Fluticasone nasal spray
• Azelastine
• Ryaltris