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Azelastine |
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What is Azelastine and why is it prescribed? Azelastine is an antihistamine nasal spray. It is prescribed for the relief of hay fever symptoms such as itchy, runny nose and sneezing, and can also be used to relieve cases of congested, runny nose and postnasal drip unrelated to allergies. Azelastine can cause drowsiness. Avoid combining Azelastine with alcohol, antihistamines, and other drugs that slow the central nervous system; worse drowsiness could result. How should you take Azelastine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Azelastine. Use Azelastine nasal spray only as prescribed. Avoid spraying in the eyes. Before initial use, prime the pump by depressing it 4 times, or until a fine mist appears. When 3 or more days have elapsed since the last use, you should reprime the pump with 2 strokes, or until a fine mist appears. Relief of symptoms usually occurs within 3 hours and lasts up to 12 hours. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never double your dose. Store the bottle in an upright position at room temperature with the nasal pump tightly closed. Do not freeze. Are there any Azelastine side effects? Azelastine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Common Azelastine side effects may include bitter taste, drowsiness, headache, loss of sensation, nasal burning, sneezing, and sore throat. Less common Azelastine side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal thinking, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, blood in the urine, breast pain, constipation, coughing, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, eye problems, fatigue, frequent urination, flu-like symptoms, flushing, herpes simplex infection, high blood pressure, increased appetite, laryngitis, loss of menstruation, loss of the sense of personal identity, loss of sensitivity to touch, mouth and tongue sores, muscle pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, nosebleed, overactivity, pain in arms and legs, pinkeye, rapid heartbeat, sinusitis, skin problems, sleep disturbances, stomach and intestinal inflammation, taste loss, throat burning, vertigo, viral infection, vomiting, watery eyes, weight gain, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Azelastine? If Azelastine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Azelastine with Alcohol, Drugs that slow the nervous system (including codeine, phenobarbital, and Restoril), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), or Other antihistamines (such as Benadryl and Claritin). Are there any special warnings about Azelastine? Azelastine makes some people drowsy. If you have a kidney condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Your dosage of Azelastine may have to be reduced. |
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