Allergy Medicine: Comparing the Best OTC Allergy Medications
No matter what’s causing your allergy symptoms, the right medication can provide relief. Review the best allergy medicines available, from nasal sprays to pills.
azelastine allergy
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Used for Allergic Rhinitis
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is an antihistamine nasal spray that's used to treat nasal symptoms due to allergies, such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and runny nose. Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is available over-the-counter (OTC) for adults and children 6 years and older. The strength of Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is 0.15%. The dosage depends on your age, but it's usually sprayed into the nose once or twice a day. Side effects can include a bitter taste in the mouth, nasal discomfort, and sneezing.
Note: Azelastine nasal spray is also available by prescription in 0.1% and 0.15% strengths.
What is Astepro Allergy (azelastine)?
What is Astepro Allergy (azelastine) used for?
Short-term relief of nasal symptoms due to allergies:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose
How Astepro Allergy (azelastine) works
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is an antihistamine. It works in your nose to block histamine, a natural chemical in your body that causes runny nose, itching, and sneezing. By blocking histamine, Astepro Allergy (azelastine) helps relieve allergy nasal symptoms.
When does Astepro Allergy (azelastine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Astepro Allergy, Children's Astepro Allergy |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Astepro Allergy (azelastine) essentials
Side effects of Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Bitter taste (up to 6%)
- Nasal discomfort (up to 4%)
- Nosebleed (up to 2%)
- Sneezing (up to 2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: skin rash
- Severe or frequent nosebleeds
When do Astepro Allergy (azelastine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Bitter taste in mouth
Nasal discomfort
Sleepiness
More on Astepro Allergy (azelastine) side effects
The following Astepro Allergy (azelastine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Bitter taste in mouth
headaches
temporary eye burning or stinging
Less common
Burning, dry or itching eyes
blurred vision, temporary
chills
eye discharge or excessive tearing
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hoarseness or other voice changes
itching skin
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle aches and pains
redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
shivering
sweating
tender, swollen glands in neck
trouble in swallowing
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
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GoodRx discount
$17.54
Pros and cons of Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
Pros
- Available over the counter; doesn't require a prescription
- Sprayed directly in the nose
- Can work within 15 to 30 minutes to relieve allergy symptoms
Cons
- Not approved for children younger than 6 years old
- Can cause drowsiness
- Might leave a bitter taste in your mouth
Pharmacist tips for Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
- Only spray Astepro Allergy (azelastine) in your nose. Don't spray the medication into your eyes or mouth because this can be harmful.
- Be sure to ask your primary care provider or pharmacist before you use Astepro Allergy (azelastine) if you've recently had nose ulcers, a nose injury that's not fully healed yet, or nose surgery. This medication might not be appropriate for you to use.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that make you feel sleepy while you're using Astepro Allergy (azelastine). This combination can worsen sleepiness and could lead to falls or other dangerous accidents.
- Don't drive until you know how Astepro Allergy (azelastine) affects you. This medication can sometimes make people sleepy and affect the ability to think clearly.
- Never share your bottle of Astepro Allergy (azelastine) with anyone else because this could lead to infections.
- Ask your primary care provider about whether it's safe for you to use Astepro Allergy (azelastine) if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to know whether this medication is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your primary care provider can discuss the risks and benefits of using Astepro Allergy (azelastine) with you.
- Get medical help or call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you accidentally use too much Astepro Allergy (azelastine) or if a child accidentally swallows the medication.
Tips on how to use Astepro Allergy (azelastine):
- Carefully review the instructions on your package so you know how to use Astepro Allergy (azelastine) properly.
- Before you use a bottle of Astepro Allergy (azelastine) for the first time, you'll need to prime the bottle. Pump the spray bottle away from your face until a fine mist comes out. Priming the bottle makes sure you get a full dose of the medication when you need to spray it into your nose. Your spray bottle might be clogged if you don't see a fine mist after 6 sprays.
- When you're ready to use Astepro Allergy (azelastine), blow your nose and tilt your head forward. Then, close one nostril and insert the tip of the spray bottle in the other. As you spray the medication into your nostril, breathe in lightly through your nose. Follow the recommended number of sprays per nostril on the product's directions for use.
- Wait a few minutes after you use Astepro Allergy (azelastine) to tilt your head back or to blow your nose. This makes sure the medication stays in your nose instead of going into your throat and causing a bitter taste or getting onto your tissue.
- After you use Astepro Allergy (azelastine), wipe the spray tip with a clean tissue and put the cap on the bottle.
- If your Astepro Allergy (azelastine) bottle gets clogged, unscrew the spray pump by turning it left. Then, soak the spray pump in warm water. Pump several times while it's under the water to clear it. Let the spray pump air dry before you screw it back on. Never try to unclog the nozzle with a sharp object because that could damage it.
- When you haven't used Astepro Allergy (azelastine) for 3 or more days or if you need to unclog the nozzle, prime the bottle before you use it again.
More on Astepro Allergy (azelastine) tips
Risks and warnings for Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while using Astepro Allergy (azelastine) | Taking other medications that make you less alert
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) can sometimes make you feel sleepy, which might lower your ability to focus, think, and react quickly. Be careful and avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol or medications that can make you feel sleepy while you're taking Astepro Allergy (azelastine).
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) dosage
The average cost for 1 nasal spray of 23ml of 205.5mcg/spray of Astepro Allergy (azelastine) is $17.54 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Nasal spray
Nasal spray| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23ml of 205.5mcg/spray | 1 nasal spray | $17.54 | $17.54 |
Typical dosage for Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, OR 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours. Don't use more than 4 sprays in each nostril in a 24-hour period.
- Children 6 to 11 years old: The typical dose is 1 spray in each nostril every 12 hours. Don't use more than 2 sprays in each nostril in a 24-hour period.
- Children younger than 6 years old: Don't use. Ask your child's pediatrician for other options.
More on Astepro Allergy (azelastine) dosage
Interactions between Astepro Allergy (azelastine) and other drugs
Astepro Allergy (azelastine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Astepro Allergy (azelastine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Astepro Allergy (azelastine) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Astepro Allergy (azelastine)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Astepro Allergy (azelastine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Astepro Allergy (azelastine)
Used for:
Short-term relief of nasal symptoms due to allergies:
$17.54View prices
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