Astelin
® (
azelastine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching (known medically as rhinitis). The medication is approved to treat these symptoms when they are due to either seasonal allergens (known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) or to other irritants (known as non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis).
It is made by MEDA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance -- one that does not bother most people. This reaction is partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells, known as mast cells. Astelin is an antihistamine nasal spray that acts in at least two different ways. It helps prevent the release of histamine from mast cells, and if any histamine is released, Astelin prevents it from binding to histamine receptors. Since histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies, blocking it can be helpful.
It is not known exactly how or why Astelin works for vasomotor rhinitis. Traditionally, it was thought that antihistamines were generally ineffective for this condition, since vasomotor rhinitis does not involve an allergic reaction or immune system response. However, studies have shown that
Astelin nasal spray helps with vasomotor rhinitis.
Astelin has been evaluated in studies for treating nasal
allergies. In these studies, the drug helped to decrease the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Watery eyes
- The need to blow the nose.
Studies have shown that Astelin begins working within 3 hours and lasts at least 12 hours. Studies have also shown that the drug is effective for treating vasomotor rhinitis (nasal symptoms caused by irritants, not allergies). The medication decreased the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip (nasal mucus dripping down the back of the throat).
When and How to Take Astelin
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Astelin comes in the form of a nasal spray. It is usually taken twice a day.
- The first time you use each bottle of Astelin, you will need to prime the pump by spraying until a fine mist appears. If you have not used the bottle within the last three days, you may have to re-prime the pump.
- Blow your nose before each dose. Breathe in gently while spraying the medicine into your nose. Do not try to inhale the spray or breathe in too deeply, as Astelin works when it comes into contact with the inside surfaces of the nose, not the throat or lungs.
- Do not tip your head back immediately after taking it, as this increases the chance of experiencing a bitter taste.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Astelin
The dose of Astelin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Whether your nasal symptoms are caused by allergies or irritants
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Astelin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Astelin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Astelin include, but are not limited to:
- Bitter taste
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Nasal burning.
(Click Astelin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Astelin
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
- Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
- Are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Astelin?
In most instances, an overdose is unlikely to cause serious problems. Even using an entire bottle at once is not likely to cause serious overdose symptoms. However, an extremely large dose may cause problems.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Astelin dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Astelin comes in one strength --
Astelin nasal spray, containing 200 sprays in each bottle, with 137 mcg of medication in each spray.
Is There a Generic Version of Astelin?
Currently, there are no generic versions of Astelin licensed for sale
(see Generic Astelin).
