Canadian pharmacy buying guide: drug characteristics, uses and benefits, side effects and interactions, and links for further information about buying discount drugs online from Canada.

Astelin Consumer Information

ASTELIN

Generic Name: azelastine nasal (a ZEH la steen)

Brand Names: Astelin

What is the most important information I should know about azelastine nasal?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Azelastine nasal may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking azelastine nasal.

What is azelastine nasal?

• Azelastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your body.
• Azelastine nasal works against histamine in your body to prevent sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.
• Azelastine nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using azelastine nasal?

• Before using this azelastine nasal tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Azelastine nasal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether azelastine nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is also not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk. Do not use azelastine nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Azelastine nasal has not been approved for use by children younger than 5 years of age.

How should I use azelastine nasal?

• Use azelastine nasal exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your nasal spray. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• In general, azelastine nasal should be used as follows:
• Gently blow your nose to clear any mucous.
• The first time you use a new bottle, screw the pump device onto the bottle. Prime the unit by pumping the device with four sprays, or until a fine mist of medicine appears. The unit is then ready to deliver a dose. If more than 3 days have passed since you last used the spray, the unit will need to be reprimed with two sprays, or until a fine mist appears.
• Insert the tip about 1 cm (one-half inch) into your nostril, pointing it straight up into the nasal canal. Block your other nostril and keep your head upright. Pump and sniff gently at the same time. Remove the pump from your nose.
• If you are using more than one spray, repeat this procedure.
• Clean the pump nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it.
• Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray.
• Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Store azelastine nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat with the dust cover on the spray nozzle. Both bottles in the azelastine nasal package should be thrown away 3 months after the first bottle is opened.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of an azelastine nasal overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking azelastine nasal?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Azelastine nasal may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking azelastine nasal.

What are the possible side effects of azelastine nasal?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using azelastine nasal and seek emergency medical attention:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• bronchospasm (shortness of breath, tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, or wheezing);
• an irregular or very fast heart rate; or
• high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache, or flushing).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use azelastine nasal and talk to your doctor if you experience
• a bitter taste in your mouth,
• tiredness or dizziness,
• headache,
• a dry mouth,
• sneezing right after a dose, or
• nausea.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual or especially bothersome side effects.

What other drugs will affect azelastine nasal?

• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the level of azelastine in your blood. Your doctor may need to adjust your azelastine dose if you are taking cimetidine.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, especially antidepressants, tranquilizers (anxiety medications), and sedatives (sleeping pills).
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with azelastine nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about azelastine nasal written for health professionals that you may read.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

Limitations of This Canadian Pharmacy Information

Efforts have been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. This is an educational resource only intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. This site does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 4.04. Revision Date: 2/14/03.