Astelin is the brand name for the medication azelastine. It is only available with a health care provider prescription. Astelin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis. According to Drugs.com, an online drug reference, Astelin comes in the form of a nasal spray.
Conditions Treated
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Astelin is used to treat allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, flares up according to the season and type of airborne irritant. Seasonal irritants include ragweed, grass pollen, tree pollen and fungus. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs throughout the year and is caused by pet dander, dust, household mites, cockroaches, molds growing in the house, house plants, carpeting and upholstery.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic rhinitis which can be caused by environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke, perfumes, bleach, formaldehyde, newspaper or other inks, auto fumes, light, temperature changes and hot or spicy foods.
Indications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the American Academy of Family Physicians, allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis exhibit many of the same symptoms. Common signs and symptoms controlled by Astelin include stuffy runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, red, itchy watery eyes, swollen eyelids, itchy mouth, throat, ears and face, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, facial pain or pressure and fatigue.
Side Effects
Drugs.com lists possible side effects of Astelin as bitter taste in mouth, drowsiness, headache, nasal burning, sneezing and sore throat. According to Mayo Clinic, rare side effects of Astelin include blood in the urine, cough, eye pain, vision changes, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing and sores in the mouth or on the lips. Other side effects are nose bleeds, dizziness, sore muscles, nausea and weight gain.
Function
According to Mayo Clinic, this medication works by stopping cells from releasing chemical substances into the body that cause allergy symptoms.
Safety
Safety has not been established for use in pediatrics, pregnancy or breast feeding. Mayo Clinic states no geriatric problems have been reported but elderly patients may have more age-related kidney, liver or heart problems when using Astelin.
