Azelastine for allergic and vasomotor rhinitis

Azelastine is an antihistamine that blocks the histamine H-1 receptor inhibiting histamine release. It is used to treat the following conditions:

  • For the relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis.

  • For the treatment of allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis symptoms. 

Azelastine Dose in Adults

Dose in the treatment of Perennial allergic rhinitis:

  • Astepro (0.15% solution):
    • Two sprays in each nostril two times a day.

Dose in the treatment of Seasonal allergic rhinitis: 

  • Astepro (0.1% or 0.15% solution):
    • One or two sprays of a 0.1% solution, given two times daily, into each nostril, or two sprays of a 0.15% solution, given once daily.
  • Azelastine [generic] 0.1% solution:
    • Two times per day, one or two sprays in each nostril

Dose in the treatment of Vasomotor rhinitis:

  • Azelastine [generic] 0.1% solution:
    • Two sprays in each nostril twice a day.

Azelastine Dose in Childrens

Dose in the treatment of Perennial allergic rhinitis: 

  • Infants older than 6 months and Children less than 6 years:
    • 1% solution:
      • 1 spray per nostril twice a day.
  • Children 6 - 12 years:
    • 1% or 0.15% solution:
      • 1 spray per nostril twice a day.
  • Children older than 12 years and Adolescents:
    • 15% solution:
      • 2 sprays per nostril twice a day

Dose in the treatment of Seasonal allergic rhinitis: 

  • Children 2 - 6 years:
    • 1% solution:
      • 1 spray per nostril twice a day.
  • Children 6 - 12 years:
    • 1% or 0.15% solution:
      • 1 spray per nostril twice a day.
  • Children older than 12 years and Adolescents:
    • 1% solution:
      • 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice a day.
    • 15% solution:
      • 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice a day or 2 sprays per nostril once a day.

Dose in the treatment of Vasomotor rhinitis: 

  • Children older than 12 years and Adolescents:
    • 1% solution:
      • 2 sprays per nostril twice a day.

Pregnancy Risk Factor: C

  • There are not many data on azelastine during pregnancy.
  • It is absorbed through the nose and can cause side effects similar to those of other antihistamines.

Azelastine use during breastfeeding:

  • It is unknown if the drug can be absorbed into breast milk.
  • Continued treatment should be considered while breastfeeding.
  • It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing treatment for the mother against the potential exposure of the child to drugs 

Azelastine Dose in Renal Disease:

  • Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with renal disease.

Azelastine Dose in Liver Disease:

  • Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with liver disease.

Common Side Effects of Azelastine Include:

  • Central nervous system:
    • Bitter taste
    • Headache
    • Drowsiness
  • Infection:
    • Cold symptoms
  • Respiratory:
    • Rhinitis
    • Cough

Less Common Side Effects of Azelastine Include:

  • Central Nervous System:
    • Dysesthesia
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue
  • Dermatologic:
    • Contact Dermatitis
  • Endocrine & Metabolic:
    • Weight Gain
  • Gastrointestinal:
    • Dysgeusia
    • Nausea
    • Xerostomia
    • Vomiting
  • Infection:
    • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
  • Neuromuscular & Skeletal:
    • Myalgia
  • Ophthalmic:
    • Conjunctivitis
  • Otic:
    • Otitis Media
  • Respiratory:
    • Epistaxis
    • Asthma
    • Sinusitis
    • Burning Sensation Of The Nose
    • Pharyngitis
    • Nasal Discomfort
    • Sneezing
    • Sore Nose
    • Nasal Mucosa Ulcer
    • Pharyngolaryngeal Pain
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Fever

Rare side effects:

  • Cardiovascular:
    • Flushing
    • Hypertension
    • Tachycardia
  • Central Nervous System:
    • Abnormality In Thinking
    • Anxiety
    • Depersonalization
    • Depression
    • Hypoesthesia
    • Malaise
    • Nervousness
    • Sleep Disorder
    • Vertigo
  • Dermatologic:
    • Eczema
    • Folliculitis
    • Furunculosis
  • Endocrine & Metabolic:
    • Albuminuria
    • Amenorrhea
  • Gastrointestinal:
    • Abdominal Pain
    • Ageusia
    • Aphthous Stomatitis
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Gastroenteritis
    • Glossitis
    • Increased Appetite
    • Toothache
  • Genitourinary:
    • Hematuria
    • Mastalgia
  • Hepatic:
    • Increased Serum ALT
  • Hypersensitivity:
    • Hypersensitivity Reaction
  • Infection:
    • Herpes Simplex Infection
    • Viral Infection
  • Neuromuscular & Skeletal:
  • Ophthalmic:
    • Eye Pain
    • Watery Eyes
  • Renal:
    • Polyuria
  • Respiratory:
    • Bronchitis
    • Bronchospasm
    • Laryngitis
    • Nasal Congestion
    • Paranasal Sinus Hypersecretion
    • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
    • Postnasal Drip
    • Sore Throat
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Laceration

Contraindication to Azelastine Include:

  • The manufacturer's labeling does not contain any contraindications.

Warnings and Precautions

  • CNS depression:
    • Antihistamines may lead to CNS depression, which makes people sleepy.
    • When operating large machinery or carrying out activities that call on mental clarity, exercise caution.

Monitoring Parameters:

  • None required

How to administer Azelastine?

  • Intranasal administration:
    • Before using, prime the nasal spray by giving it 4 to 6 sprays, or until a fine mist forms.
    • If the spray hasn't been used for three or more days, it should also be primed with two sprays.
    • Before use, blow your nose.
    • While maintaining the bottle upright and shutting the nostril, insert the applicator.
    • Inhale, pushing the pump as you do so to direct the spray tip toward the back of your nose.
    • After each use, wipe the spray tip with a dry towel or piece of tissue.
    • Do not spray into your mouth or eyes.
    • After use do not tilt head back.

Mechanism of action of Azelastine:

  • Histamine and azelastine compete for H-1 receptor sites on effector cells.
  • Histamine and other mediators that mediate an allergic reaction are rendered inactive as a result.
  • It stabilizes mast cells, increases motility of the bronchial epithelialcilia, and decreases hyperreactivity in the airways.

It has beenThe beginning of actionBetween 15 and 30 minutes maximum effectEasily viewed in 3 hours.

It has been aDuration of the actionapproximately 12 hours. 88% of the drug can be found inprotein-bound

It is primarilyMetabolizedIt is absorbed by the liver and has a bioavailability rate of around 40%.

It has been ahalf-life eliminationIt takes approximately 3 hours to get there. peak serum concentration.

International Brands of Azelastine:

  • Afluon
  • Allergodil
  • Allergospray
  • Astelin
  • Astepro
  • Azela
  • Azelan
  • Azelvin
  • Azep
  • Azep Nasal Spray
  • Azeptin Nasal
  • Azetin
  • Lastin
  • Lergemed
  • Min Qi
  • Rhinolast
  • Rinalin
  • Rino-Lastin
  • Snizex
  • Zalastin

Azelastine brands in Pakistan:

Azelastine (HCl) [Nasal Spray 0.14 mg/actu]

Azosin Sante (Pvt) Limited
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