Astepro

Astepro is a prescription medicine used for treating nasal allergy symptoms. It is a type of antihistamine that has been shown to help improve symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. The medicine comes in nasal spray form and is typically used twice a day. Although most people tolerate it well, potential side effects include nosebleeds, headaches, and bitter taste.

What Is Astepro?

Astepro™ (azelastine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching due to seasonal allergies (known medically as seasonal allergic rhinitis) or year-round allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis).

Astepro is a reformulation of Astelin^®; it contains the same medication in the same strength in a new formulation that has a less bitter taste and causes less nasal discomfort.

(Click Astepro Uses for more information on what Astepro is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

This medication is made by MEDA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does Astepro Work?

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.

Astepro 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, it also prevents histamine from binding to histamine receptors. Since histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies, blocking histamine can be very helpful.

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