Azelastine is used for the treatment of seasonal nasal allergy symptoms and nasal symptoms that are not caused by allergens. It is approved for treating seasonal nasal allergies in adults and children as young as 5 years old and non-allergic rhinitis in adults and children age 12 and older. Off-label Azelastine uses may include the treatment of year-round nasal allergy symptoms.
What Is Azelastine Used For? -- An Overview
Azelastine hydrochloride (
Astelin®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
- Seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in adults and children as young as five years old
- Non-allergic nasal symptoms due to irritants in adults and children as young as 12 years old.
Why Is Azelastine Used for Nasal Allergies?
Allergies are the immune system's specific reaction to a normally harmless substance, such as pollens, certain foods, or medicines. Allergies can either be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergies (such as
hay fever) occur at specific times of the year, while perennial allergies can occur throughout the year. Allergies can affect various parts of the body, and symptoms are particularly common in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Nasal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis) mostly affect the nose and eyes. Symptoms may include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itching nose, eyes, ears, or throat.
Combined with strategies to minimize a person's contact with allergens,
allergy treatment can make life bearable for even the worst allergy sufferer. Treatment often includes
allergy shots or medications. Azelastine is a particularly useful
allergy medicine for treating symptoms that primarily affect the nose. It is approved to treat seasonal nasal allergies, but not perennial (year-round) nasal allergies.
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