Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Azelastine is an antihistamine, 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 antihistamines 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: yes
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 (for example,
oxycodone and acetaminophen [ 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.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
The purpose of the nose is to warm, clean, and humidify the air you breathe
as well as help you to smell and taste. A normal person will produce about two
quarts of fluid each day (mucus), which aids in keeping the respiratory tract
clean and moist. Tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) line the surfaces of the nasal
cavity, helping to brush away particles. Eventually the mucus blanket is moved
to the back of the throat where it is unconsciously swallowed. This entire
process is closely regulated by several body systems.
Structurally, the nose is separated into two passageways (left and right
nostrils) by a structure called the septum. Protruding into each breathing
passage are bony projections, called turbinates, which help to increase the
surface area of the inside of the nose. There are three turbinates on each side
of the nose (inferior or lower turbinates, middle turbinates, superior or upper
turbinates). The sin...
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