Astelin (Azelastine)

Description

Astelin is an intranasal treatment that has antihistamine properties. The active component in Astelin is azelastine hydrochloride. Astelin functions as a measured nasal spray.

Uses

Astelin is primarily used to diminish certain symptoms that are associated with the presence of allergies. Many of the responses to an allergic reaction include sneezing, nasal discharge, and irritation of the skin. The indicators of allergies are caused by the triggering of the immune system when your body detects foreign particles. Your immune system falsely identifies these foreign bodies as harmful. This prompts the immune system to activate a substance that is known as histamines. Histamine is considered to be an inflammatory product. It causes the expansion of certain blood vessels in the body as well as the contraction of smooth muscles. This, in turn, causes the manifestation of an allergic reaction.

Astelin contains a product that is known as an anti-histamine. This means that it counteracts the effects of the histamine produced by the body. It prevents the cold-like symptoms and itching that may be caused by the histamine.

Dosage

There are specific quantities in which Astelin should be taken. Quantities differing from the specified one may have unintended effects. Astelin should be prescribed to you by a licensed physician.

Astelin is a nasal treatment that is inserted into the nasal passages in the form of a spray.

For children between the ages of 5 and 11 should receive a single spray into each nostril. This should be done twice each day.

For adults or children above the age of 12, one to two sprays in each nostril should be sufficient. This should be carried out twice a day.

You should refrain from getting Astelin in your eyes or your mouth. Wash out your eyes and mouth thoroughly with clean water.

The maximum amount of sprays that Astelin should be used for is 200.

Side Effects

There may be certain adverse reactions as a response to taking Astelin. Here are some of the symptoms that you may experience when taking Astelin:

 Sleepiness
 Unpleasant or unusual taste in the mouth
 An increase in bleeding from the nose
 Burning sensation in the nose
 Lightheadedness
 Headache
 Muscle discomfort
 Nausea
 Irritation of the throat
 Unexpected bouts of sneezing
 Fatigue
 Increase in body weight

You should contact a licensed physician if you have noticed the persistence of any of these symptoms when taking Astelin.

Contraindications

 Prior to using Astelin, you should contact a licensed physician to determine if this treatment is safe to use for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.

 Individuals who are allergic to azelastine should not use Astelin as a form of treatment.

 One of the side effects of Astelin is dizziness and sleepiness. This can impair your functioning. You should not operate heavy machinery or drive if you have noticed these side effects.

 You should not take any other medications that will cause to be drowsy or disoriented while you are using Astelin.

 This includes treatments that are used as sleeping aids, muscle relaxants, sedatives, narcotics, cold medication, or anxiety medication.

 The consumption of alcohol may increase the likelihood of experiencing the side effects associated with Astelin. You should stop or reduce the amount of alcohol that you drink while taking Astelin.