Astelin

Astelin

     * Generic Name: azelastine hydrochloride
     * Brand Name: Astelin


     * What is azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What are the possible side effects of azelastine nasal
       (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * How should I use azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Astelin, Astepro)?
     * What should I avoid while taking azelastine nasal (Astelin,
       Astepro)?
     * What other drugs will affect azelastine nasal (Astelin,
       Astepro)?
     * Where can I get more information (Astelin, Astepro)?

What is azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Azelastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural
   chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of
   sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

   Azelastine nasal (for the nose) prevents sneezing, itching, runny
   nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies. This medicine is for
   seasonal allergies in adults and children who are at least 2 years old,
   and for year-round allergies in adults and children as young as 6
   months old.

   Azelastine nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using azelastine and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * worsening allergy symptoms; or
     * signs of an ear infection (fever, ear pain or full feeling,
       trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child).

   Common side effects may include:
     * drowsiness, tired feeling;
     * fever;
     * unusual taste in your mouth;
     * sneezing, nasal irritation, nosebleeds;
     * headache;
     * cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore
       throat;
     * vomiting;
     * ear infection; or
     * skin rash.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about azelastine nasal
(Astelin, Astepro)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Astelin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers

   Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Quiz on Allergies
   Nasal Allergy Relief:Products That Work

   Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using azelastine
nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to azelastine.

   To make sure azelastine is safe for you, tell your doctor about all of
   your medical conditions.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   It is not known whether azelastine nasal passes into breast milk or if
   it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are
   breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   To use the nasal spray:
     * Blow your nose gently. Keep your head upright and insert the tip of
       bottle into one nostril. Press your other nostril closed with
       your finger. Breathe in quickly and gently spray the medicine into
       your nose. Then use the spray in your other nostril.
     * Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the
       nasal spray.
     * If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with
       water.
     * If the nasal spray has not been used for longer than 3 days, prime
       it by spraying up to 6 sprays into the air, away from your face,
       until a fine mist appears.

   Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth.

   Do not allow a young child to use azelastine nasal without help from an
   adult.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

   Store at room temperature in an upright position, away from moisture
   and heat. Keep the dust cover on the spray nozzle when not in use. Do
   not allow this medicine to freeze.

   Throw away this medicine after you have used 200 sprays, even if there
   is still medicine left in the bottle.

   Astelin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers

   Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Quiz on Allergies
   Nasal Allergy Relief:Products That Work

   Nasal Allergy Relief Products Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it
   is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine
   to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Astelin, Astepro)?

   An overdose of azelastine nasal is not expected to be dangerous. Seek
   emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while taking azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect azelastine nasal (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Using this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen
   this effect. Ask your doctor before using a sleeping pill, narcotic
   pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
   seizures.

   Other drugs may interact with azelastine nasal, including prescription
   and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell
   each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and
   any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Astelin, Astepro)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about azelastine nasal.
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