Astelin is a brand-name prescription drug that contains the active ingredient azelastine HCL. According to Meda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the medication, Astelin is the only prescription antihistamine nasal spray FDA approved to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies and environmental irritants, which includes nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose. In addition to azelastine HCL, Astelin contains a number of inactive ingredients.
Azelastine HCL
According to Drugs.com, azelastine HCL appears as a white, near odorless crystalline powder and works to block the production of histamines. Lau et al in a 1995 article in "Inflammation Research" note that azelastine is a topical, second-generation antihistamine and more selective of H1-receptors, which creates fewer adverse reactions compared to the first-generation drugs.
Benzalkonium Chloride
Astelin also contains benzalkonium chloride at 125 mcg per ml, according to Daily Med. Benzalkonium is a general antiseptic which is capable of inhibiting bacterial growth, but not a true antibiotic or disinfectant which kill bacteria outright.
Sodium Chloride
Astelin also contains sodium chloride, which is the chemical name for table salt. Sodium chloride can act as a preservative and as an antiseptic.
Edetate Disodium
Another “inactive” ingredient is edetate disodium, or EDTA for short. According to RxList, EDTA is an effective binding agent, which has the capacity to bind minerals and metals. Thus, it is used to keep the ingredients of Astelin together.
Hypromellose
According to Daily Med, Astelin contains hypromellose, which is categorized as a binder. Within an aqueous medium like a nasal spray, hypromellose’s high viscosity also makes it a good lubricating and clinging agent. Many nasal sprays and eye drop products contain hypromellose.
Dibasic Sodium Phosphate
Dibasic sodium phosphate is another ingredient in Astelin, and although it is usually added to drug tablets as a filler, in a nasal spray it most likely acts as an electrolyte replenisher, or acidifier/de-mineralizer, according to Drugs.com.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is an inactive ingredient which functions as a natural preservative and as a bitter flavoring. Citric acid can retard the growth of molds, yeasts and some bacteria through antioxidant behavior, according to Drugs.com.
Purified Water
The final ingredient in Astelin is purified water, which accounts for nearly all of the 30 ml spray bottle’s volume. Purified water can also be considered a mixing agent or solvent for solutions.
References
- Astelin Nasal Spray
- RxList: Astelin
- Drugs.com: Astelin
- "Inflammation Research"; Effects of acrivastine, azelastine, cetirizine and noberastine on rat peritoneal mast cells; H.Y.A. Lau et al; April 1995
- DailyMed: Astelin/Azelastine
