Azelastine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, nasal irritation, itching) from allergies.

How does it work?

• Azelastine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• For the nose only.
• Avoid spraying in your eyes.
• Read instructions on use given with medicine.
• This medicine is most if started before contact with the allergen.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease alert identification for allergies.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use with other antihistamines. May increase drowsiness.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Bitter taste.

What should I monitor?

• Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating symptoms.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store medicine upright at room temperature. Protect from freezing.
• Throw away opened medicine after 3 months.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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