Index
It is an antihistamine formulated as a dosed spray solution for intranasal administration.
Azelastine hydrochloride occurs as a white crystalline powder, almost odorless and with a bitter taste.
Azelastine belongs to the family of phthalazinones and is an inhibitor of histamine release by mast cells.
Azelastine is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis.
Chemical formula
- C22H24N3ClO.
Presentation
It comes as a nasal spray in 5 and 10 ml bottles with a dosing valve.
Each spray delivers a mean volume of 0.137 ml containing 137 mcg of azelastine hydrochloride (equivalent to 125 mcg of azelastine base).
Indications of azelastine
Azelastine is indicated for the treatment of allergy symptoms such as hay fever , pet allergies, and allergies to dust mites (seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis).
Mechanism of action
Azelastine works by preventing the actions of histamine, a substance produced by the body, in reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen or pet fur (these are known as allergens ).
Histamine causes a chain reaction that produces allergic symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Azelastine blocks histamine receptors and thus stops this chain reaction.
When used as a nasal spray, azelastine can act directly on histamine receptors on the membranes of the nose, allowing you to begin relieving allergic symptoms in as little as 15 minutes.
Dose
- The usual dose for adults and children six years of age and older is one spray in each nostril twice a day, when needed to relieve symptoms.
- Most patients only need to use azelastine for a short period of time to alleviate their allergies, but you can use it every day to relieve your symptoms while you are exposed to the allergen, for example during pollen season. You should stop using it once your symptoms have subsided.
Side effects of azelastine
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways.
The following are some of the side effects known to be associated with azelastine:
- Bitter taste and nausea, this usually occurs from tilting the head too far back when the spray is administered into the nostrils.
- Nasal irritation and itching.
- Nasal hemorrhages (epistaxis).
- Drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat.
- Nasal discomfort, headache, fatigue, sneezing.
You should stop using azelastine and call your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects:
- Bronchospasm (shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing).
- Fast or uneven heartbeat.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Warnings and Contraindications
- Do not administer in children under six years of age.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.
- Do not administer to people who commonly have allergies or specifically to the active ingredient or any ingredient contained in the spray.
- It should not be administered during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Although only trace amounts of azelastine pass into the bloodstream after using the nasal spray, it should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the baby.
Azelastine interactions
As with all medicines, it is important that you tell your doctor if you are already taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and also herbal medicines, before you start using azelastine, to make sure that the combination is safe and suitable.
However, azelastine is only absorbed into the bloodstream in very small amounts after use in the nose and is unlikely to significantly affect other medications you are taking.
It’s okay to use it in conjunction with other hay fever treatments.
Special caution should be exercised when it is administered with other antihistamines or any type of medication for the treatment of colds or allergies, narcotic pain relievers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and drugs used for seizures, depression or anxiety. as they can increase the drowsiness caused by nasal azelastine.
