Azelastine Dosing: An Introduction
The dose of
azelastine hydrochloride (
Astelin®,
Astepro™) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Whether your nasal symptoms are caused by allergies or irritants
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your azelastine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(This article refers to azelastine nasal spray [Astelin or Astepro]. For the eye drop form of this medication, see Optivar Dosage.)
Azelastine Dosing for Seasonal Nasal Allergies
The recommended dose of azelastine for treating seasonal nasal allergies (known as allergic rhinitis) in adults and children age 12 and older is one or two sprays in each nostril twice daily. For children ages 5 to 11, the recommended dose is one spray of azelastine in each nostril twice daily.
It should be noted that Astelin is approved for children as young as 5 years old, while Astepro is approved only for children 12 years and older.
Azelastine Dosing for Year-Round Nasal Allergies
The recommended dose of azelastine for treating year-round (perennial) nasal allergies in adults and children age 12 and older is two sprays in each nostril twice daily (for Astepro 0.15% spray). There is no recommended dosage for this use for the lower-strength Astepro spray (0.1%), and Astelin is not approved for this use.
