Azelastine
About Azelastine
Azelastine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamine (anti-allergic) used in the treatment of runny nose, itching and sneezing due to allergies. An allergy is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically not harmful to your body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens’. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever, pollen or pet dander.
Azelastine contains ‘azelastine’ that works by blocking histamine effects, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, itching and blocked nose.
Use Azelastine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Azelastine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical conditions. You may experience bitter taste or slight irritation of inside of the nose (itching, stinging). Most of these side effects of Azelastine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Azelastine if you are allergic to Azelastine or any contents of it. It should not be used in children below 6 years. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid the use of alcohol while using Azelastine as it slows your action.
Uses of Azelastine
Medicinal Benefits
Azelastine is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and helps to relieve symptoms such as runny nose, itching, blocked nose or sneezing due to allergies. Azelastine contains ‘azelastine’, an antiallergic drug that works by blocking histamine effects, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, itching and blocked nose.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Azelastine
- Bitter taste
- Slight irritation of inside of the nose (itching, stinging)
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Azelastine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before using Azelastine. Azelastine should not be taken in the conditions like nose surgery, ulcers and injury. If Azelastine is taken by mouth accidentally, immediately contact your doctor. Azelastine is not recommended for children below 6 years of age. Avoid the use of alcohol while using Azelastine as it slows your action. Drive only if you are alert after using Azelastine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines before using Azelastine.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid drinking alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid the use of alcohol while using Azelastine as it slows your action.
Pregnancy
cautionAvoid taking Azelastine if you are pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThis Azelastine is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedAzelastine is usually safe and no influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedAzelastine can be given safely to patients with liver diseases when prescribed.
Kidney
safe if prescribedAzelastine can be given safely to patients with liver diseases when prescribed.
Children
unsafeAzelastine is not recommended for children below 6 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Add ginger to foods or tea as it contains some anti-inflammatory compounds that can relax membranes in the airways and reduce cough, irritation and swelling in nasal passages.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drink liquids at room temperature to get relief from a runny nose, cough and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: It is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance that is typically not harmful to your body. These foreign substances are known as ‘allergens’. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever, pollen or pet dander. One of the main symptoms of allergy is cough and it acts as a reflex action in the throat when there is any mucus or foreign irritant entry into the respiratory system.
FAQs
Azelastine is used to treat runny nose, itching and sneezing due to allergies.
Before using Azelastine, you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to Azelastine or any of its parts to avoid any allergic reactions. Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking as they may affect. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding to avoid any dangerous effects on the baby.
Azelastine is safe if used in the dose and duration as recommended by your doctor. Take it exactly as instructed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully and inform your doctor if any of the side effects disturb you.
Azelastine works by preventing the release of a naturally occurring substance in our body called histamine, which is responsible for generating symptoms of allergies like sneezing, runny nose and itching.
If you have missed a dose of Azelastine, take it as soon as you remember it. Though, if it is nearly time for your next dose, take it in the normal schedule instead of taking the skipped dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the skipped one as this may enhance the chances of developing side effects.
Yes, Azelastine is an effective medication used to relieve allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Always follow your doctor's instructions to have optimal results and effectiveness without side effects.
Azelastine starts working within an hour. However, the exact timeline varies from person to person based on the severity of the condition, dose administered, and body response to the medication. Always follow the doctor's advice to have optimal results.
Azelastine can be used long-term for allergies only under doctor guidance. But prolonged usage may cause side effects like nasal irritation and drowsiness. It is necessary to inform your doctor immediately if any unusual effects are observed.
Consult your doctor before using other allergy medicines with Azelastine, as they may interact or increase the risk of side effects.
Store Azelastine in its original container by keeping it in a cool, dry, and away from sunlight. Keep it out of the reach of children. Regularly check the expiration date.
The common side effects of the Azelastine, which may occur in some individuals are bitter taste or slight irritation inside the nose (itching, stinging). Most of these side effects of Azelastine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
