What is the most important information I should know about azelastine nasal?
Azelastine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid
drinking alcohol. It can increase
drowsiness and
dizziness caused by
azelastine.
Cold or other
allergy medicines, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle
relaxers, and medicine for
seizures, depression or
anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by
azelastine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.
What is azelastine nasal?
Azelastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your
body.
Azelastine prevents sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.
Azelastine nasal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using azelastine nasal?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine.
Before using azelastine nasal, tell your doctor if you have any other medical
conditions or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use azelastine nasal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Azelastine nasal should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old.
How should I use azelastine nasal?
Use azelastine exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
To use the azelastine nasal spray:
-
Gently blow your nose before using the nasal spray.
-
The first time you use a new bottle, screw the pump device
onto the bottle. Prime the unit by pumping 4 sprays into the air, away from your face, until a fine
mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time it has been longer than 3 days since you last used
it.
-
Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up
into your nose. Press your other nostril closed with your finger and keep your head upright.
Pump the spray and gently inhale at the same time.
-
Use only the number of sprays prescribed by your doctor.
-
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.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. This
medication is usually used for up to 4 weeks.
Store this medication at room temperature in an upright position, away from moisture
and heat. Keep the dust cover on the spray nozzle when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness.
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