Azelastine

Azelastine is a medicine that can be prescribed to treat seasonal nasal allergies and vasomotor rhinitis. By preventing the release of histamine from mast cells, the drug can help relieve runny or stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. Azelastine comes in the form of a nasal spray that is generally used twice a day. Potential side effects include drowsiness, headache, and nasal burning.

 

What Is Azelastine?

Azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray (Astelin®, Astepro™) is a prescription medication approved to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching (known medically as rhinitis). It is approved to treat these symptoms when they are due to either seasonal allergens (known as seasonal allergic rhinitis) or to other irritants (known as non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis).
 
Astelin is the original version of this medication approved for both uses (seasonal rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis), while Astepro is the newer version approved only for season rhinitis. Astepro is a new formulation that has a less bitter taste and is less likely to cause nasal discomfort. Both medications are still available.
 
This article refers to azelastine nasal spray (Astelin or Astepro). For the eye drop form of this medication, see Optivar.
 
(Click What Is Azelastine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 
(Azelastine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;