Astelin (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.
Astelin Nasal Spray 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.
Astelin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
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 may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Before using Astelin, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Astelin.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Astelin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Astelin. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have fast or uneven heartbeats, tightness in your chest, or if you feel short of breath.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Astelin if you are allergic to azelastine.
To make sure Astelin Nasal Spray is safe for you, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
It is not known whether Astelin Nasal Spray 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 Astelin?
Use Astelin Nasal Spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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:
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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.
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Do not blow your nose for at least a few minutes after using the nasal spray.
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If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.
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If the Astelin 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 Astelin Nasal Spray in your eyes or mouth.
Do not allow a young child to use Astelin 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 dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Astelin Nasal Spray for Allergic Rhinitis:
0.1% spray: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day
0.15% spray: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day or 2 sprays in each nostril once a day
Use: Seasonal allergic rhinitis
0.15% spray: 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day
Use: Perennial allergic rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose of Astelin Nasal Spray for Allergic Rhinitis:
2 to 5 years:
0.1% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
6 to 11 years:
0.1% spray and 0.15% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
Use: Seasonal allergic rhinitis
6 months to 5 years:
0.1% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
6 to 11 years:
0.1% spray and 0.15% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
Use: Perennial allergic rhinitis
What happens if I miss a dose?
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?
An overdose of Astelin 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 Astelin?
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.
Astelin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Astelin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using and call your doctor at once if you have:
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worsening allergy symptoms; or
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signs of an ear infection (fever, ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child).
Common Astelin side effects may include:
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drowsiness, tired feeling;
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fever;
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unusual taste in your mouth;
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sneezing, nasal irritation, nosebleeds;
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headache;
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cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;
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vomiting;
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ear infection; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Astelin?
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.
