A nasal spray for allergies: Let's learn everything about Azelastine (Azelastine Nasal Spray)

Do you also have a runny nose for no reason? Does your nose feel stuffy? Are you tired of a runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat? These are common symptoms of an allergy. So today we are going to talk about a nasal spray that is used in such cases.

What is Azelastine?

Simply put, Azelastine is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of allergies. It is mainly used to treat things like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy nose that you experience all the time.

This belongs to the group of medicines called `(antihistamine)`. Now you may be wondering what this `(antihistamine)` is. It's very simple. When something allergic, that is, something allergic (for example, dust, pollen) enters our body, our body's immune system releases a chemical called `(histamine)`. The main reason for the allergic symptoms we talked about earlier (hives, itchy nose, runny nose) is this `(histamine)`. So what Azelastine does is stop that `(histamine)` from working. Then those annoying allergic symptoms gradually decrease.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, there are a few things you should be aware of. These are important to mention, as they are very important for your safety.

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Azelastine or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to mention it.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about that as well.

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether to move on to another option.

How exactly do you use this?

It is very important to know exactly how to use this.

• For the nose only: This should only be used to pierce the inside of the nose. Do not put it in the mouth or eyes.
• Follow the instructions: Use only as directed by your doctor, for the number of times prescribed. Do not use more than the doctor tells you to.
• Use it correctly: Before using this nasal spray, clean your nose thoroughly. Then, shake the bottle well, hold your head upright, and spray the medicine into one nostril while closing the other nostril with your finger. Breathe in slowly while spraying the medicine. If you are not sure about the correct way to use this, ask your doctor for clarification.
• If given to children: This medicine can sometimes be prescribed by a doctor for children under 6 years of age. However, special care should be taken, so if you are giving this to a child, be sure to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
• If you take too much: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I forget to take a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Interactions with this medicine

Some medications may interact with Azelastine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including other allergy medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies). Especially:

• Medicines like `(Cimetidine)`
• Other types of antihistamines (like allergy pills)

It is important to tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or smoke.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve, or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
• Drowsiness: This medication may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . So, avoid doing anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how it affects you.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the drowsiness caused by this medication. Therefore, it is best to limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.

What are the possible side effects of this?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please contact your doctor for medical advice.

How should I store the medicine? What do I do if there is any left over?

• Storage: Keep the medicine bottle out of reach of children and pets . Store upright at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Never place in the freezer.
• Expiration: Do not use expired medication. Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date on the bottle.
• Disposal: If you have questions about how to safely dispose of used or expired medication, ask your doctor for advice.

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