Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: azelastine
BRAND NAME: Astelin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Azelastine is an anti-histamine, a chemical that blocks the effects of histamine, another chemical that is responsible for some of the symptoms in allergic reactions.
Azelastine is chemically different from other anti-histamines and is used only as a
nasal inhaler for the treatment of symptoms of
seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching
in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Azelastine was approved
by the FDA in 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PRESCRIPTION: yes
PREPARATIONS: Nasal spray: 137 mcg per spray.
STORAGE: The nasal spray should be stored at room temperature,
between 15 and 30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Azelastine is used to treat symptoms associated
with allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose, sneezing and nasal itching.
DOSING: Azelastine generally is used as 2 sprays in each nostril
twice daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Azelastine can promote the sedating
effects of other medications that cause sedation. Such drugs include
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Percocet), barbiturates, sedatives such as
alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), and ethanol.
PREGNANCY: Abnormalities in bones of the skeleton have been noted in animals receiving more than 240 times the human dose of azelastine. There are no adequate studies
in pregnant women. Azelastine should be used during pregnancy only if the
physician feels that the benefit justifies the potential risk to
the fetus.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether azelastine is excreted
in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution
should be exercised when azelastine is used by a nursing woman.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect noted with azelastine
is a bitter taste that develops in 1 of 5 persons using it. Tiredness
occurs in 1 of 9. Weight gain has been reported in 1 of 50 and muscle pain
in 1 of 75. Other reported side effects include headache, nasal irritation,
sore throat, dry mouth, and sneezing.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/16/2000 12:51:00 PM
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