Astelin (Azelastine Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Astelin

Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

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Astelin

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ASTELIN
(azelastine hydrochloride) Spray, Metered

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Astelin® (azelastine hydrochloride) Nasal Spray, 137 micrograms (mcg), is an antihistamine formulated as a metered-spray solution for intranasal administration. Azelastine hydrochloride occurs as a white, almost odorless, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It has a molecular weight of 418.37. It is sparingly soluble in water, methanol, and propylene glycol and slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, and glycerine. It has a melting point of about 225°C and the pH of a saturated solution is between 5.0 and 5.4. Its chemical name is (±)-1-(2H)-phthalazinone,4-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepin-4-yl)-, monohydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C₂₂H₂₄CIN₃O•HCl with the following chemical structure:

Astelin® (azelastine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Astelin® Nasal Spray contains 0.1% azelastine hydrochloride in an aqueous solution at pH 6.8 ±0.3. It also contains benzalkonium chloride (125 mcg/mL), edetate disodium, hypromellose, citric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, and purified water. After priming, each metered spray delivers a 0.137 mL mean volume containing 137 mcg of azelastine hydrochloride (equivalent to 125 mcg of azelastine base). The bottle can deliver 200 metered sprays.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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 any of these serious side effects:

bronchospasm (shortness of breath, tightness in chest, wheezing); or
fast or uneven heartbeats.

Less serious side effects may include:

a bitter taste in your mouth;
headache;
drowsiness or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Astelin »

What are the precautions when taking azelastine hydrochloride (Astelin)?

Before using azelastine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

This drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this...

Read All Potential Precautions of Astelin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/1/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.