Astelin—What You Need To Know
Azelastine hydrochloride (this is not a fluticasone propionate nasal spray), or most commonly known as Astelin is a prescription drug which treats runny, congested or stuffy nose. It’s also known to treat sneezing and rhinitis or nasal itching. Symptoms normally caused by seasonal allergens and other irritants which are non-allergic are also treated by this medication.
To really know how Astelin works, we need to know what histamine is. Histamine is a substance that is released by the immune system during the presence of allergic reactions. It causes inflammations directly or indirectly. Astelin does the job of blocking the histamine from being released, and also acts in the prevention of it from binding to histamine receptors. Another kind of nasal itching would be vasomotor rhinitis.
Studies show that antihistamines do not treat this kind of condition. However, it has been proved with recent research that Astelin nasal spray aids in the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis. Aside from providing treatment for nasal allergies, Astelin has also been proven to cure cases of itchy and runny nose, excessive sneezing & watery eyes.
The effects would be felt within three hours and could last for 12 hours. As mentioned, it is also effective in the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis, which is caused by irritants, as opposed to allergies. Now that we know how it works and what it does to relieve you of nasal pain, we have to consider the proper procedure on the intake of the drug in prevention of any medical mishap.
ASTELIN comes available in nasal spray form and this is taken twice a day, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. Upon first usage, you need to get the pump working by spraying until a fine mist is produced. This should also apply with bottles not used within the last three days. Blow your nose before the dose. You will need to breathe in upon spraying, but never inhale too deeply as Astelin is used neither for the lungs nor the throat, but only for the surfaces of the nose.
Additionally, it is not advised for you to tilt your head backwards right after taking it, as it may cause a very bitter taste. For proper and effective use, take the medicine as prescribed as the effects wear out if medication is stopped. It has been studied that an overdose of ASTELIN will not cause any serious problems.
However, this is strongly discouraged and should be avoided entirely. Yet, the intake extremely large doses of the medication might induce severe complications.