Astelin nasal spray is an antihistamine nasal spray. It is the only one available as of August 2010 approved in the U.S. to treat both seasonal allergens and environmental irritant allergy symptoms. Astelin is available by prescription only for children ages 5 and above, as well as adults who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Astelin is a steroid- and pseudoephedrine-free product. It is best to consult with a physician to determine if Astelin will alleviate your allergy symptoms.
Azelastin
Astelin has one active ingredient, azelastine. According to PubMed Health, azelastine is an antihistamine, which blocks histamine from attaching to receptor sites in the body. Azelastine is used to treat symptoms of hay fever, including itchy eyes and runny nose. Azelastine comes only in spray form and sold under the brand names Astelin and Astepro.
The Astelin website states Astelin works because it is applied directly to the affected area--the nasal passages--and Drugs.com recommends using it as prescribed, and to avoid larger doses than the suggested two sprays into each nostril daily.
Side Effects
Although Astelin reduces allergy symptoms caused by seasonal and environmental irritants, it does have some side effects. If any of these side effects are present during use, consult a physician.
Side effects include a bitter taste, which is caused by the medication attaching to nasal discharge that runs down the back of the throat and headache due to nasal passages drying out. Other side effects are inflammation or burning of nasal passages. It may also cause drowsiness in some users.
Recommended Dosages
Astelin is prescribed to children ages 5 and older, depending on the diagnosis. The Astelin website recommends children from 5 to 11 years old with seasonal allergies spray Astelin one time in each nostril twice daily. For children ages 12 and older with seasonal allergies, two sprays in each nostril twice daily is the recommended dose.
Patients ages 12 years and older with nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis, often signified by chronic sneezing or congested, drippy nose with no diagnosable cause, should spray two sprays in each nostril twice daily. The recommended dosages for adults follows the recommended dosages for children ages 12 and older.
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