Azelastine Dosing

For adults and children age 12 and older who are treating nasal allergies with azelastine, dosing typically starts at one or two sprays in each nostril twice daily. Children 5 to 11 years old generally use one spray in each nostril twice a day. When treating non-allergic rhinitis in adults and children age 12 and older, azelastine dosing guidelines recommend two sprays twice daily.

 

Azelastine Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of azelastine hydrochloride (Astelin®) 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.
 

Azelastine Dosing for Nasal Allergies

The recommended dose of azelastine for treating 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.
 

Azelastine Dosing for Nasal Irritation

The recommended dose of azelastine for nasal symptoms due to irritants (known as vasomotor rhinitis) in adults and children age 12 and older is two sprays in each nostril twice daily.
 

General Information on Dosing With Azelastine

Considerations for people taking azelastine include the following:
 
  • Azelastine comes in the form of a nasal spray. It is usually taken twice a day.
     
  • The first time you use each bottle of azelastine, you will need to prime the pump by spraying until a fine mist appears. If you have not used the bottle within the last three days, you may have to re-prime the pump.
     
  • Blow your nose before each dose. Breathe in gently while spraying the medicine into your nose. Do not try to inhale the spray or breathe in too deeply, as azelastine works when it comes into contact with the inside surfaces of the nose, not the throat or lungs.
     
  • Do not tip your head back immediately after taking azelastine, as this increases the chance of experiencing a bitter taste.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Azelastine will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or azelastine dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;