Indications & Uses
Azelast nasal spray is an H1-receptor antagonist. It is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and in children aged 5 years and older. It is also used to treat the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. Azelast eye drop is used to treat and prevent the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 4 years and older. It is also used to treat the symptoms of non-seasonal (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Pharmacology
Azelastine eye drops contain the active substance azelastine hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of medicines called antiallergics (antihistamines). Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of substances such as histamine, which the body produces as part of an allergic reaction. Azelastine has been shown to reduce inflammation of the eye.
Azelastine is a phthalazinone derivative. It is classified as a potent, long-acting anti-allergic compound with selective H1 antagonist properties. An additional anti-inflammatory effect could be detected after topical ocular administration. Data from in vivo (pre-clinical) and in vitro studies show that azelastine inhibits the synthesis or release of the chemical mediators known to be involved in early and late stage allergic reactions, e.g. leukotriene, histamine, PAF and serotonin.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Nasal Spray, Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
For adults and adolescents 12 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis, the recommended dose of Azelastine Nasal Spray is one or two sprays per nostril twice daily. For children aged 5 years to 11 years, it is one spray per nostril twice daily.
Vasomotor Rhinitis
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older with vasomotor rhinitis should use two sprays per nostril twice daily. Azelastine Nasal Spray is for the intranasal route only.
Priming
Before the first use, prime the spray by releasing 4 sprays or until a fine mist appears. If the spray has not been used for 3 or more days, reprime it with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears. Avoid spraying it into the eyes.
Eye Drops, Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
The usual dose for adults and children 4 years and older is one drop in each eye twice daily. This can be increased to four times daily if necessary. If you expect to be exposed to an allergen, Azelastine hydrochloride Eye drops, solution should be given beforehand as a preventive measure.
Non-seasonal (Perennial) Allergic Conjunctivitis
For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dose is one drop in each eye twice daily, and this can be increased to four times daily if necessary. Safety and efficacy have been shown in clinical trials for up to 6 weeks, so any course should be limited to a maximum of 6 weeks. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor if symptoms get worse or do not improve after 48 hours.
Side Effects
Azelastine Hydrochloride can cause headache, dizziness, sneezing, nosebleed, nausea, stinging or itching in the nose, dry mouth, sore throat and a bitter taste, among others.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Some patients taking Azelast nasal spray reported somnolence (sleepiness) in clinical trials, so be careful when driving a car or operating machinery that could be dangerous. Avoid using this nasal spray together with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Together they can reduce alertness further and impair CNS performance even more.
Contraindications
Don't use Azelastine if you know you are allergic to Azelastine or to any of the other ingredients in the preparation.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Azelastine hasn't been studied well enough in pregnant women, so its effects during pregnancy are not clearly known. A doctor should give Azelastine in pregnancy only if the possible benefit to the mother justifies the possible risk to the baby. Nobody knows yet whether Azelastine passes into human breast milk. Even so, a nursing mother should use it with caution.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Use in children: Azelastine Hydrochloride nasal spray hasn't been shown to be safe or effective in patients below 5 years of age.
Storage
Keep Azelastine Hydrochloride out of reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place away from light, and don't freeze it.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Azelta 137 mcg
What is Azelta 137 mcg Nasal Spray?
Azelta 137 mcg Nasal Spray is a medicine that contains Azelastine Hydrochloride. It is made by OSL Pharma Ltd. It belongs to the Nasal Anti-histamine preparations group of medicines.
What is Azelta used for?
Azelast nasal spray is an H1-receptor antagonist. It is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and in children aged 5 years and older.
What are the side effects of Azelta?
Azelastine Hydrochloride can cause headache, dizziness, sneezing, nosebleed, nausea, stinging or itching in the nose, dry mouth, sore throat and a bitter taste, among others.
Can I take Azelta during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Azelastine hasn't been studied well enough in pregnant women, so its effects during pregnancy are not clearly known. A doctor should give Azelastine in pregnancy only if the possible benefit to the mother justifies the possible risk to the baby. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Azelta?
Keep Azelastine Hydrochloride out of reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place away from light, and don't freeze it.
Can I take other medicines with Azelta?
Some medicines can interact with Azelastine Hydrochloride, for example: Cimetidine, Ketoconazole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Azelta?
Azelta is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.