Drug Name

Astelin (Azelastine)

Drug Uses

Allegra is used for treating seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, or itchy, watery eyes. It is also used to treat hives and skin itching. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Allegra as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Allegra by mouth with or without food.
Take Allegra with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).
Do not drink fruit juice at the same time that you take Allegra . Certain fruit juices (eg, grapefruit, apple, orange) may decrease Allegra 's effectiveness.
If you take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, do not take them at the same time as Allegra . Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Allegra .
If you miss a dose of Allegra , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Astelin is an antihistamine nasal spray. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces allergy symptoms

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Astelin, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Astelin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Astelin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Astelin Spray if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Astelin.

• Astelin may cause drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Astelin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Astelin; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• The medicine has a antihistamine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has an antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine) in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Astelin may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Astelin should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 5 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Astelin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Astelin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Astelin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• mild nausea or vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools; changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever; general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness; personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever; puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.

More Information

Astelin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.