Antihistamine azelastine is used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Nasal spray form of azelastine is offered. Two times a day, azelastine is typically sprayed into each nostril. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. As directed, take azelastine. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Remove the child-resistant screw cap and swap it out for the pump unit before using azelastine for the first time. A thin mist should develop after four sprays to prime the delivery mechanism (pump unit). Repriming the nasal spray pump with two sprays or until a fine mist is produced is necessary if it has been three days or more since your previous use.

Before using azelastine,

• If you have a reaction to azelastine or any other drug, tell your doctor and pharmacist right away.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, especially any antihistamines, vitamins, and additional cold and allergy remedies.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to become pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking azelastine.
• Inform the surgeon or dentist that you are using azelastine if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• You should be aware that this medication might make you sleepy. Until you are certain of how this medication affects you, do not operate machinery or drive a car.
• Do not forget that alcohol can increase the drowsiness brought on by this drug.

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects from azelastine are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Bitter flavour
• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Pain in the muscles
• Nasal irritation

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Make an immediate call to a doctor or a poison control centre if a young child consumes azelastine by accident.

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

Do not share your medication with anyone else. Any queries you may have regarding prescription refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.