Generic Astelin

Astelin, also generically known as azelastine nasal, is commonly used to prevent or reduce sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and other allergy symptoms. The drug commonly is prescribed in the form of a nasal spray.

This medication is not for everyone and a thorough medical history should be evaluated before prescribing Astelin. Pregnant women should exercise caution when using this medication. Astelin has received a pregnancy rating C from the Food and Drug Administration, the drug has been proven to cause harm the unborn babies and the drug can transmitted to a baby through breast feeding. Astelin should never be given to a child under the age of 5 years old. Everyone should fully disclose the medication they are already taking with the prescribing doctor whether prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Physicians should urge patients to inquire within prior to taking any mew medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies.

Astelin can impair the ability to think and can effect motor skills, caution should be exercised when attempting to drive any motor vehicles or any other activity that requires the person to be awake or alert. Alcohol should not be consumed at the same time as taking this drug; this can promote drowsiness and dizziness. There are other side effects when using this medication; some of which that are severe. Common side effects that may occur when taking this medication are a bitter taste in the mouth right after using the medication, headache, tiredness or dizziness, weight gain, dry mouth, burning in the nasal cavity, eye redness, coughing sneezing, coughing and other cold symptoms. The more severe side effects include symptoms such as heart arrhythmia, bronchial spasms (tightening of chest, wheezing, coughing), hives and swelling of tongue, face and lips, if any of these symptoms occurs the patient should seek emergency medical attention.

Astelin should be taken exactly as the prescribing physician recommends, if a dose is accidentally skipped and it is not close to the next prescribed dose; take as soon as remembered. If it is close to the prescribed dose, the missed dose should be skipped to prevent a potential overdose. Patients should not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Do not take more than prescribed. The most obvious symptom of overdose is extreme sleepiness, however any signs of an overdose should result in immediate emergency medical attention. If allergy symptoms have not been reduced or have disappeared completely in 4 to 6 weeks, consult the prescribing physician.

Astelin carries a risk of negative drug interactions. The prescribing physician should asses the medical history prior to prescribing this medication to ensure the patient is not currently taking any potentially interactive medications. Astelin may react with other drugs such as Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), together they can raise the level of azelastine in the blood to potentially dangerous levels. Do not combine this medication with other medication that has the side effect of drowsiness and sleepiness (muscle relaxers, narcotics, pain killers, alcohol, cold medicine and medicines used to prevent seizures, depression or anxiety). Vitamins, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also negatively react to this medication, so it is vital to fully disclose all prescription history with the prescribing physician. The physician and the pharmacist will have any additional information available upon request.