Azelastine Nasal Spray
Prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) azelastine nasal spray is used to relieve symptoms of rhinitis such as sneezing and a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes caused by hay fever or other allergies (caused by an allergy to pollen, mold, dust, or pets). Prescription azelastine nasal spray is also used to relieve symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis such as sneezing and runny or stuffy nose which are not caused by allergies in adults and children 12 years of age or older. Azelastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Azelastine comes as a liquid to spray in the nose. Azelastine nasal spray is usually is sprayed in each nostril one or two times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use azelastine nasal spray exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
An adult should help children younger than 12 years old to use azelastine nasal spray. Children younger than 6 years of age should not use nonprescription (over the counter) azelastine nasal spray.
Azelastine nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the nasal spray, and be careful not to spray it into your eyes or mouth.
Each bottle of azelastine nasal spray should only be used by one person. Do not share azelastine nasal spray because this may spread germs.
Azelastine nasal spray controls the symptoms of hay fever or allergies but does not cure these conditions.
Just under half – 49% – of Americans get their health insurance through their employer, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Another 19% of Americans are insured under Medicaid, 14% under Medicare, seven% under non-group plans and two% under other public insurers, while nine% of U.S. citizens remain uninsured.
Azelastine nasal spray is designed to provide a certain number of sprays. After the marked number of sprays has been used, the remaining sprays in the bottle might not contain the correct amount of medication. You should keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the bottle after you have used the marked number of sprays even if it still contains some liquid.
Before you use azelastine nasal spray for the first time, read the written directions that come with it. Follow these steps:
- Remove the cap and safety clip from the nasal spray pump.
- If you are using the nasal spray pump for the first time, you must prime the pump. Hold the pump with the applicator between your forefinger and middle finger and the bottom of the bottle resting on your thumb. Point the bottle upright and away from your face. Press down and release the pump four times or until a fine mist appears. If you have not used your nasal spray for more than 3 days, reprime the pump with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears.
- Blow your nose until your nostrils are clear.
- Close one nostril by gently placing your finger against the side of your nose, tilt your head slightly forward and, keeping the bottle upright, insert the nasal tip into the other nostril. Use your forefinger and middle finger to press firmly down on the nozzle and release a spray. Breath gently in through the nostril while keeping your head tilted forward to keep the medicine from going into your throat. Then, repeat in the second nostril.
- If your doctor told you to use two sprays in each nostril, repeat step 4.
- Wipe the applicator with a clean tissue and replace the plastic cap and safety clip on the bottle.
