What is Azelastine Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Azelastine Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Astepro, Azelastine HCl, Astelin Ready-Spray, Azelastine HCl

Generic Names:

  • Azelastine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats itching of the eye caused by allergies., Treats symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Nasal Agent, Ophthalmologic Agent

Forms:

  • Drop, Spray

How it’s taken:

  • Into the nose, Into the eye

What form(s) does Azelastine Hcl come in

  • Drop

  • Spray

What are common Azelastine Hcl doses?

  • Bottle 6ML of 0.05%

  • Bottle 30ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 30ML of 137MCG/SPRAY

  • Spray Btl 30ML of 0.15%

Common Azelastine Hcl prescriptions

  • Azelastine HCl
    30ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Azelastine HCl
    30ml of 137mcg/spray bottle

  • Azelastine HCl
    6ml of 0.05% bottle

  • Azelastine HCl
    30ml of 0.1% (137mcg/spray) bottle of nasal spray

  • Azelastine HCl
    30ml of 0.1% (205.5mcg/spray) bottle of nasal spray

  • Azelastine HCl
    6ml of 0.05% eye dropper

  • Azelastine HCl
    30ml of 0.15% spray btl

How to take Azelastine Hcl

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • You will need to prime the nasal spray before you use it for the first time. To do this, pump the bottle 6 times or until some of the medicine sprays out. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 3 days or longer, by spraying the medicine 2 times.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose:Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw this medicine away after you use 200 sprays.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw this medicine away after you use 200 sprays.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nasal routeAfter using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • You will need to prime the nasal spray before you use it for the first time. To do this, pump the bottle 6 times or until some of the medicine sprays out. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 3 days or longer, by spraying the medicine 2 times.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose:Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before you put the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes after you use this medicine before you put your contacts back in.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before you put the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes after you use this medicine before you put your contacts back in.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Azelastine Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to azelastine.

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azelastine.

Azelastine Hcl warnings

  • This medicine may cause your vision to be blurred for a short time. Do not drive or do other things that require you to see well until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not put in contact lenses if your eyes are red after you use the medicine.

  • Tell your doctor you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Azelastine Hcl interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how azelastine works. Tell your doctor if you are using cimetidine or ketoconazole.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Do not put in contact lenses if your eyes are red after you use the medicine.

  • This medicine may cause your vision to be blurred for a short time. Do not drive or do other things that require you to see well until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Azelastine Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Burning, redness, swelling, or irritation around or inside your nose

  • Heavy nosebleeds

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Increased redness, pain, or discharge in your eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning or stinging of your eye when you put the drops in

  • Bitter taste in your mouth

  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • Bitter or bad taste in your mouth