Azelastine

Common Use

Azelastine is an antihistamine nasal spray—in simple terms, it works by blocking the action of histamine, a natural chemical that your body releases during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny or stuffy nose. By blocking histamine, azelastine helps reduce these uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

Azelastine is used to treat:

Seasonal allergies (hay fever or allergic rhinitis) – symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, and nasal congestion

Perennial allergies – year-round allergies caused by triggers such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold

Vasomotor rhinitis – a form of chronic runny nose or stuffy nose that is not caused by allergies but by factors such as changes in temperature, humidity, or strong odors

Postnasal drip – the sensation of mucus dripping down the back of the throat

Azelastine is applied directly into the nose, where it works locally to relieve symptoms.

Dosage and Direction

Azelastine is for nasal use only—avoid getting it in your eyes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

Before using:

Gently blow your nose to clear your nasal passages before using the spray

Prime the pump if it is the first time using it or if it has not been used for more than a few days (spray a few times into the air until a fine mist appears)

Recommended dosage:

Timeframe Dosage First 3 days 4 sprays per day (2 sprays in each nostril, once daily) After 3 days 2 sprays per day (1 spray in each nostril, twice daily) Note: This information is provided for general guidance. It is very important to consult with your doctor before using this medication to ensure you get the best results for your specific situation.

Precautions

Use with caution if your medical history includes:

Allergies to any antihistamines

Heart disease

Kidney problems

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Liver problems

Glaucoma (especially narrow-angle glaucoma)

Enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy)

Bladder neck obstruction – difficulty emptying the bladder

Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)

Important:

Using azelastine with alcohol or central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as sedatives, sleeping pills, or anxiety medications) can increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Azelastine should not be used during pregnancy, if you are planning to become pregnant, or while breastfeeding without your doctor’s permission. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider

Contraindications

Azelastine is contraindicated—meaning you should not use it—in people with:

Allergy to any antihistamines or any ingredients in the spray

Narrow-angle glaucoma (untreated increased pressure in the eye)

Bladder neck obstruction

Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate causing urinary symptoms)

Asthmatic attack (during an acute asthma attack)

Stenosing peptic ulcer (narrowing of the stomach outlet due to an ulcer)

Pyloroduodenal obstruction (blockage at the junction of the stomach and small intestine)

Special warning: Azelastine should not be used in neonates (newborns) due to a possible association with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) .

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects (stop using azelastine and seek medical help immediately) may include:

Allergic reaction – hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Bronchospasm – shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing

Fast or uneven heartbeats (palpitations)

Less serious side effects may include:

A bitter taste in the mouth (this is common with this medication)

Headache

Drowsiness or dizziness

Dry mouth or sore throat

Burning sensation in the nose (after spraying)

Weight gain

Nausea

Nosebleed (epistaxis)

Cough, sneezing, runny nose, or cold-like symptoms

Eye redness

If you experience any of these side effects, especially if they become bothersome or persistent, stop using azelastine and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions

Azelastine can interact with several medications that affect the central nervous system. Use with caution if you are taking:

Cimetidine (Tagamet) – a stomach acid reducer

Sleep medicines (sedatives)

Tranquilizers

Medications for anxiety

Narcotic pain relievers

Antidepressants or other psychiatric medications

Other antihistamines (taken by mouth or in other forms)

An interaction between two medications does not always mean you must stop taking one of them. Often, your doctor can manage the interaction by adjusting doses or timing. Consult your doctor about how any interactions should be managed.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one. Take your usual dose the next day at the same regularly scheduled time.

Overdose

Symptoms of an azelastine overdose are not well documented, but the most likely symptom would be extreme sleepiness (drowsiness) if a significant amount is swallowed. If you experience this or any unusual symptoms after using too much of this medication, call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store azelastine at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F)

Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light

Do not store in the bathroom

Keep the bottle upright with the pump tightly closed

Protect from freezing – do not allow the spray to freeze

Keep out of reach of children

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that when seasonal allergies hit, you want relief fast—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your azelastine nasal spray can be with you by the next day, ready to help you breathe freely and get on with your day without the sneezing and sniffles.