Blogs

Generic Name : AZELASTINE (NASAL/OPHTHALMIC)

ABSTRACT –

Azelastine (nasal) is an antihistamine drug used to treat nasal systems that may or may not be due to allergic reactions. These nasal symptoms include runny nose, stuffy nose, colds, sneezing or itching. It inhibits the release and spreading of histamine and other allergic mediators, reducing hyper-reactivity in the airways and improving mucociliary transport. It is generally used for individuals above the age of 12, but may be used in children around the age of 5 in case of nasal symptoms as allergic reactions. Azelastine (ophthalmic) is used to treat itchy or watery eyes, working in an anti-histamine strategy just as the nasal drug.

DOSAGE –

• Follow doctor’s instructions strictly to use Azelastine (nasal/ophthalmic).
• Use the drug only at target site; do not use nasal azelastine over the eyes or the mouth.
• Opthalmic Azelastine is to be introduced into the eye using a dropper. The 0.2mL container of azelastine is for one-time-use only.
• General nasal dosage –
137mcg/inh, 205.5/mcg/inh
• General ophthalmic dosage –
0.2mL/dosage (twice a day)

SIDE EFFECTS –

NASAL –

• Differences in taste
• Dysgeusia
• Drowsiness
• Sleepiness

RARE SIDE EFFECTS –

• Bloody urine
• Blurry vision
• Cough
• Eye pain
• Hives, itching or rashes
• Rapid palpitations
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Difficulty in breathing

OPHTHALMIC –

• Differences in taste
• Headaches
• Temporary eye stinging

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Tightness in chest
• Wheezing

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

Azelastine has no major interactions with any drugs but interacts with a total of 497 drugs, either mildly or in minor reactions.

MILD INTERACTIONS OF RANITIDINE ARE:

• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Amoxapine
• Asenapine
• Baclofen
• Benzocaine
• Brompheniramine
• Buprenorphine
• Loxapine
• Metoclopramide
• Morphine
• Nalbuphine
• Opium
• Phenylephrine

PRECAUTIONS –

• Notify a medical authority of patient’s detailed and accurate medical history before drug prescription.
• Azelastine during lactation can turn breast milk bitter. Observe nursing habits and report observations to the doctor.
• Dispose of the nasal spray after 200 sprays.
• Introduce Azelastine only at target site. Do not allow the nasal medicine to come in contact with the eyes or the mouth.
• For patients prescribed the eye drops, do not let the dropper come in contact with any other surface.
• Do not wear contact lenses while using the eye drops, as it may cause discoloring. Wear contact lenses once again if needed, only after 15 minutes of administering Azelastine.
• Do not consume alcohol during course, as it may lead to certain side effects.
• Do not engage in activities that may be hazardous – such as driving while on Azelastine course, if the drug affects your ability to drive.

WARNINGS –

• Keep out of reach of children; always make sure an adult present is there to administer the drug for a child.
• Contact a medical authority in case severe burning sensations in the eye occur after the usage of the eye drops.
• Overdose of Azelastine rarely causes severely harmful reactions. In case the patient has swallowed the whole medication, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.