Astelin

Allergies are inevitable conditions. Fortunately, there are medications to address the various discomforts which come with seasonal allergies.

Astelin, a brand name of the drug called azelastine, is an antihistamine medication in the form of a nasal spray. It is prescribed to patients to relieve them from symptoms associated with seasonal allergies and hay fever, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itch. This is also prescribed to offer relief from postnasal drip, congested, and runny nose which are not caused by allergies.

Astelin nasal spray causes drowsiness. Patients under this medication should refrain from operating machineries, engaging in activities necessitating mental attentiveness, and driving a vehicle, unless they know the real impact of the drug. Astelin should never be combined with alcohol, and other medications which are known to reduce the pace of the central nervous system. Otherwise, severe drowsiness can occur.

Astelin should be used exactly as the prescription says. It should not be sprayed in the eyes. When using Astelin nasal spray for the first time, prime its pump by depressing the pump 4 times, or until the spray produces a fine mist. When the medication has been unused for at least 3 days, the pump should be reprimed, using the same method. Relief from symptoms is achieved within 3 hours from use and lasts for as long as 12 hours.

Before starting on with Astelin, the risks should be compared with the benefits. The doctor should know if the patient has nay allergies, particularly to certain food or drugs. The effects of Astelin on pregnant women have not been established. However, studies conducted on animals showed that large doses of the drug have resulted in birth defects. Thus, pregnant women, and those who are planning on getting pregnant should consult their respective health care professionals before taking the medication.

It has not been found out if Astelin appears in breast milk. While majority of medications appear in minute amounts in breast milk, a lot of them may be safely taken while nursing. However, breastfeeding mothers should discuss treatment with Astelin with their doctors.

Astelin is also known to be safe and effective among children above 5 years old, as long as it is taken in appropriate doses. Moreover, the medication has not shown varied side effects from those among adults. As with many other medications, there are no studies specifically done on the use of Astelin among older people. Therefore, it is not known whether or not they have the same effects as they do among younger patients.

Certain types of medicines should not be used along with Astelin. There are cases, however, where other medications may be used regardless if there is an interaction. Your doctor may change the dosage, or may do other precautionary measures if necessary. Medical conditions may also have an effect on Astelin. Make sure your doctor knows about any health issues you may have, particularly kidney disease.

Astelin is generally well-tolerated. However, Astelin side effects may be experienced by some patients. The minor ones include: headache, drowsiness, bitter taste, dry mouth, sneezing, and nasal burning. If such side effects persist or become bothersome, the doctor should be notified at once.

Although rare, the more serious side effects may also occur. Some of which are: mood changes, vision problems, palpitations, anxiety, weight gain, numbness of feet or hands, chest pains, muscle pains, and inability to urinate. While allergic reactions to Astelin are highly unlikely, patients who do experience these should seek medical attention right away.

Allergy may seem like a minor issue, but the symptoms which come with it can be pretty annoying. But with proper medication, allergies are kept at bay.