The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray (
Astelin®,
Astepro™) for the treatment of both allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Most people tolerate this product well, but side effects can include a bitter taste,
headaches, and drowsiness.
When used to treat allergic rhinitis, azelastine helps prevent the release of histamine from mast cells, and if any is released, also prevents it from binding to histamine receptors. Since histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of
allergies, blocking it can be helpful. It is unclear how this nasal spray works for nonallergic rhinitis, since the condition does not involve the release of histamines.
The effects of azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray typically are felt within 3 hours and last at least 12 hours. If your symptoms become worse with use, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need a different medication.
(Click Azelastine for more information on this nasal spray, including when and how to use it, what to do if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and dosing guidelines.)
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