Uses of Astelin

Astelin (azelastine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine will likely produce symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and a runny nose.
Astelin nasal spray is used to treat the symptoms of sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and other nasal allergy symptoms in both adults and children over 5 years of age. Astelin is also used to treat the symptoms of a persistent runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching but not caused by allergies, in both adults and children 12 years of age and older. Drinking alcohol can also increase certain side effects of azelastine. 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 a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, or if you feel short of breath.

Astelin is a prescription medicine, used to treat symptoms of sneezing, runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis) caused by seasonal allergies. Astelin may be used alone or together with other medicines.
Astelin belongs to a group of medicines called allergists, Intranasal; Antihistamines, used in the nose. Use Astelin nasal spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Patients should follow all instructions on the Astelin label and instructions in the leaflet. Do not self-medicate without a prescription.
Use Astelin nasal spray:
Blow your nose to clear it. Keeping your head tilted down toward your toes Place the applicator about 1⁄4 inches to 1⁄2 inches into 1 nostril. Hold the bottle upright and point the spray toward the back of your nose. Close your other nostril with one finger. Press pump 1 time and sniff gently at the same time, keeping head tilted forward and down Repeat in other nostril If your healthcare provider tells you to use 2 sprays in each hole nose, repeat steps 2 to 4 above for a second spray in each nostril. Breathe gently and do not tilt your head after using Astelin nasal spray. This will help keep the medicine from getting into your throat When you're done using Astelin nasal spray, wipe the tip of the spray off with a clean tissue or cloth. Place the clip securely and cover the dust on the bottle. Also, be careful not to get this medicine in your eyes or mouth. Do not allow young children to use Astelin without adult help. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse. Store this medication in an upright position at room temperature. Throw away the medicine after you have used 200 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

Concomitant use of Astelin Nasal Spray with alcohol or other CNS depressants should be avoided, as it may impair alertness and impair CNS activity
Use of azelastine with Other drugs make the patient drowsy, thereby reducing this effect. Ask your doctor before using an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs can affect nasal azelastine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all current medications you are taking and any medications you are taking or have recently stopped taking.
Before taking Astelin, please:
Before using Astelin, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Using Astelin while you are breastfeeding may cause breast milk to taste bitter. If you are breast-feeding while using this medicine, watch for abnormalities. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

What happens when a dose is missed?
Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use 2 at the same time.
What happens in an overdose?
An overdose of azelastine is not expected to be too dangerous.
What should be avoided while taking Astelin?
Avoid driving or dangerous activities until the sick person knows how this medicine will affect the body. The patient's response may be impaired. Drinking alcohol with this medicine may increase certain side effects.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Astelin: Hives ; shortness of breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Common side effects of Astelin include: Bitter taste in the mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, sneezing, nasal irritation, nosebleeds, nausea, dry mouth; or gain weight. This is not a complete list of side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if you experience them.
Astelin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic, not for systemic use. The drug is used for the group of subjects from 12 years of age and older with the main effect of treating diarrhea, intestinal infections, reducing the risk of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.. To ensure effective treatment and avoid side effects. unwanted side effects, the patient needs to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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Reference sources: rxlist.com, vi.oldmedic.com