This article describes azelastine nasal spray’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for azelastine. If you want to know more about azelastine nasal spray, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, and more.
Azelastine nasal spray is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Astepro and Astelin. However, these brands are no longer available. Azelastine also comes in the form of eye drops, but that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.
Azelastine nasal spray is also available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It’s a generic version of the brand-name product Astepro Allergy. However, this article only focuses on the prescription version. Talk with your pharmacist for more details about the OTC version of this drug.
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Form and strength of azelastine
Azelastine nasal spray comes as follows:
- Form: nasal spray
- Strength: 137 micrograms (mcg) per spray
Dosage of azelastine
This article describes the recommended dosages for azelastine nasal spray. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of azelastine nasal spray without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of azelastine in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of azelastine nasal spray. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of azelastine nasal spray that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for rhinitis and other conditions
The following table shows the recommended dosages of azelastine nasal spray. The dosage depends on the condition it’s prescribed for.
| Condition | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| allergic rhinitis (hay fever) | 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice per day |
| nonallergic rhinitis | 2 sprays per nostril twice per day |
Dosage of azelastine in children
Azelastine nasal spray is used in some children to treat the following conditions:
- allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in children ages 5 years and older
- nonallergic rhinitis in children ages 12 years and older
The recommended dosage of azelastine nasal spray for children depends on the condition being treated. The dosages are described in the table above.
| Condition | Age | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|
| allergic rhinitis (hay fever) | 5 to 11 years | 1 spray per nostril twice per day |
| allergic rhinitis | 12 years and older | 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice per day |
| nonallergic rhinitis | 12 years and older | 2 sprays per nostril twice per day |
How to use azelastine nasal spray
Azelastine nasal spray should only be used in your nose. Avoid spraying it into your eyes.
Before using azelastine nasal spray for the first time, you have to prepare the product to be ready for use. To do this, release four sprays into the air or until a fine mist appears. If you haven’t used the drug for 3 or more days, release two sprays into the air or until a fine mist appears before you use it.
Be sure to read the directions carefully before you start using azelastine nasal spray. If you have questions about how to use the nasal spray, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about azelastine nasal spray and its dosage.
How many times a day should you use azelastine nasal spray?
Doctors typically prescribe azelastine nasal spray to be used twice per day for both hay fever and nonallergic rhinitis. Depending on your age and the condition being treated, you’ll use 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice per day.
Please note that this dosage is for the prescription version of azelastine nasal spray. An OTC version of this medication is also available. It comes in a different strength and may be used once per day in some cases.
If you have questions about how often you should use azelastine nasal spray, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does the dosage of azelastine nasal spray compare with the dosage of Flonase? Can they be used together?
Azelastine nasal spray and fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase) may be used separately or together. These medications work in different ways to relieve rhinitis symptoms. Azelastine is an antihistamine, while fluticasone is a steroid.
Both drugs are available over the counter and with a prescription. The dosage for each varies depending on your age and the condition the nasal spray is being used to treat.
These drugs are also available as a combination nasal spray called Dymista. It’s available with a prescription.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how the dosage of azelastine nasal spray compares to that of Flonase.
How long can you take azelastine nasal spray?
There isn’t a limit on how long you can use azelastine nasal spray. It’s typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you can take azelastine nasal spray, talk with your doctor.
Azelastine coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of azelastine
It’s important that you do not use more azelastine nasal spray than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of azelastine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include drowsiness.
What to do if you use too much azelastine
If you think you’ve used too much azelastine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.