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

Quick overview

Astepro Nasal Spray contains azelastine hydrochloride, a nasal antihistamine used to relieve nasal allergy symptoms such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, itching, and sneezing. It is available in two strengths for seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age and older, with an over-the-counter version available for younger children. It works by blocking histamine and can begin working within about 3 hours of use.

What is Astepro Nasal Spray

Astepro Nasal Spray is a nasal spray medicine that contains an antihistamine called azelastine hydrochloride. It is used to relieve nasal allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose, runny nose, itching, and sneezing.

Astepro Nasal Spray uses

• Relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age and older (both 0.1% and 0.15% strengths)
• Relief of symptoms of year-round (perennial) allergic rhinitis in patients 12 years of age and older (0.15% strength)
• Astepro Allergy (OTC brand) is used for seasonal allergies in adults and children at least 2 years old, and for year-round allergies in adults and children as young as 6 months old

Benefits of Astepro Nasal Spray

• Reduces nasal symptoms of rhinitis such as stuffy nose, runny nose, itching, and sneezing by blocking histamine
• Can be used once or twice daily depending on strength and type of allergy
• Begins to work within about 3 hours of use

How Astepro Nasal Spray works

Azelastine blocks histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes sneezing, itching, and runny nose. A related breakdown product of the drug also helps block histamine.

Astepro Nasal Spray dosage

This medicine 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 again if it has not been used for 3 or more days, until a fine mist appears. Do not use the spray unless you see a fine mist after priming.

Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils before using the spray. Keep your head tilted downward (not tipped back) while spraying and for a few minutes afterward to avoid the medicine running down your throat and causing a bitter taste. Change nostrils each time you use the spray, and breathe in gently while spraying.

If the spray gets into your eyes, mouth, or on your skin, rinse with water. Do not blow your nose for a few minutes after using the spray. Young children should not use this medicine without help from an adult.

Use the medicine regularly, at the same time(s) each day, to get the most benefit. Do not use more often or for longer than prescribed. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not double up. After finishing, wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and replace the safety clip and dust cover.

Available forms and strengths

• Nasal spray solution, 0.1% (137 mcg azelastine hydrochloride per spray)
• Nasal spray solution, 0.15% (205.5 mcg azelastine hydrochloride per spray)

Side effects of Astepro Nasal Spray

Common

• Bitter or unusual (sweet) taste
• Nasal discomfort or pain
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Headache
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Sleepiness/drowsiness
• Sneezing
• Mouth or throat pain
• Stuffy nose, cough, sore throat
• Skin itching around the nose
• Dry mouth, red eyes

Serious

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of an ear infection: ear pain or fullness, drainage from the ear, trouble hearing, fever
• Fast or uneven heartbeats, chest tightness, or feeling short of breath
• Severe dizziness
• Severe or frequent nosebleeds

Warnings and precautions

• It is not known whether Astepro will harm an unborn baby. Based on animal studies, it may cause harm to the fetus, so the medicine should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
• It is not known if azelastine passes into breast milk. Caution is advised, and use while breastfeeding may cause the milk to taste bitter, which could affect how well the baby nurses.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before using this medicine.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine, since it can add to sleepiness and further reduce alertness and mental performance.
• This medicine can cause sleepiness, so avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require full alertness until you know how it affects you.
• This medicine may cause sleepiness, so be careful with activities that require you to be alert.
• Tell your doctor if you regularly take other medicines that make you sleepy, since they can add to the sleepiness caused by this medicine.
• Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, since swallowing it can cause serious harm to a child.

Storage

• Store upright at controlled room temperature 68°–77°F (20°–25°C)
• Protect from freezing / do not freeze
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the label and carton
• Throw away the bottle after 200 sprays have been used, even if it does not feel empty
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so; properly discard when expired or no longer needed, and consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice fast or irregular heartbeats, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
• Get emergency medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If a child accidentally swallows the spray, seek medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• Call your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve or get worse while using this medicine.

Alternatives

• Flonase
• Rhinocort
• Patanase