Type of medicine: antihistamine
Generic and brand names: azelastine, intranasal; Astelin Nasal Spray; Astepro Nasal Spray
This medicine is an antihistamine that is sprayed into the nose. It is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergy (runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy nose). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Do not use the spray more often than directed by your healthcare provider. To get the best results, follow the instructions that come in the medicine package.
This product comes with 2Â bottles of medicine with child-resistant caps and a pump unit. Remove the child-resistant cap and put the pump on one bottle. Leave the child-resistant cap on the second bottle until you are ready to use it.
Prime the spray pump before using it for the first time or when the spray is not used for 3 days or more. To prime the pump, press down 4Â times or until a fine mist comes out.
Wash your hands before using this medicine. Before using this medicine, clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose. To use the nasal spray, keep your head upright and sniff in the spray while you squeeze the bottle. Do this in both nostrils. Spray both nostrils again if directed.
Wipe the tip of the applicator with a clean tissue and replace the cap tightly after each use. To avoid spreading infection, do not allow others to use your medicine. Use the nose spray exactly as directed.
Keep the spray away from your eyes. If you do get some into your eyes, rinse them with cool water.
This medicine is good for 3 months after it has been opened. Discard any unused medicine after 3 months.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Any severe drowsiness or slowing of your reflexes, fast heartbeat, confusion, depression.
Other: Bitter taste, headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, irritated nose or throat, drowsiness, constipation, trouble sleeping, flushing.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the medicine at room temperature away from any heat. Keep the bottle standing upright with the pump tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after 200 sprays or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
