Astelin

Drug Name

Astelin (Azelastine)

Drug Uses

Astelin Spray is used for treating allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itchy, runny nose. It is also used to treat symptoms of nasal passage inflammation such as runny nose, stuffy nose, and postnasal drip. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Astelin Spray as directed by your doctor.

• Astelin Spray is for the nose only. Do not get it in your eyes or mouth. If you get Astelin Spray in your eyes, rinse with cool tap water at once.
• Prime the spray pump before the first use of a new bottle. Remove the screw cap from the bottle and replace it with the pump unit. To prime the pump, point the spray pump away from you and others. Spray rapidly and firmly several times until a fine mist appears (4 sprays or less).
• Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
• Hold bottle upright, allowing spray tip to aim toward the back of the nose. Close the other nostril with one finger.
• Spray rapidly and firmly once and sniff gently at the same time. Repeat in the other nostril as directed.
• Breathe in gently. Do not tilt your head back after using Astelin Spray. This will help you to avoid the bitter taste that may be caused by Astelin Spray.
• Keep the dust cover and safety clip on the bottle when it is not in use.
• If 3 or more days have passed since the last use of this bottle, reprime the pump with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears.
• If the nozzle becomes clogged, do not clean it by using a pointed object. Remove the spray pump from the bottle. Soak it in warm water, squirting it several times while under water. Dry the spray pump completely. Attach the spray pump to the bottle and reprime.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Astelin Spray is an antihistamine nasal spray. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces allergy symptoms

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Astelin Spray, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Astelin Spray at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Astelin Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Astelin Spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Astelin Spray.

• Astelin Spray may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Astelin Spray with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Astelin Spray; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• The medicine has a antihistamine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine) in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Astelin Spray may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Astelin Spray should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 5 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Astelin Spray while you are pregnant. It is not known if Astelin Spray is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Astelin Spray, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• mild nausea or vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools; changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever; general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness; personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever; puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.

More Information

Astelin Spray is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.