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Astepro vs. Astelin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Azelastine nasal spray, available as both Astepro Allergy (over-the-counter) and a prescription version, is an antihistamine used to treat nasal symptoms due to allergies, such as a runny or stuffy nose. Both versions work by blocking histamine to relieve these symptoms. However, there are some differences between the two. Astepro Allergy is available over-the-counter in a 0.15% strength and is suitable for adults and children 6 years and older. The prescription version comes in both 0.1% and 0.15% strengths and can also treat non-allergic nasal symptoms. The prescription version is available as a lower-cost generic, while Astepro Allergy is branded. Both forms can cause side effects like a bitter taste and nasal discomfort, but the prescription version has a higher incidence of side effects like headaches and sleepiness. Additionally, the prescription version may require more frequent dosing, typically twice a day, compared to the once or twice daily dosing of Astepro Allergy.

Astepro Allergy

(azelastine)

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azelastine nasal spray

 

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Summary for Astepro

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Astepro

Short-term relief of nasal symptoms due to allergies:

  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy nose

Pros and Cons for Astepro

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

Common Side Effects for Astepro

  • Bitter taste (up to 6%)
  • Nasal discomfort (up to 4%)
  • Nosebleed (up to 2%)
  • Sneezing (up to 2%)

Warnings for Astepro

  • Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating

Summary for Astelin

Prescription only

Azelastine nasal spray is an antihistamine that treats allergies and nasal symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose. The 0.1% and 0.15% strengths of the azelastine nasal spray are available with a prescription for adults and children. It's sprayed into the nostrils typically twice a day. Prescription azelastine nasal spray is a lower-cost generic. Possible side effects include a bitter taste in the mouth and nasal discomfort.

Note: Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray is also available over the counter under the brand name Astepro Allergy.

Indications for Astelin

  • Seasonal allergy symptoms related to the nose
  • Year-round allergy symptoms related to the nose - azelastine 0.15% spray only
  • Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies - azelastine 0.1% spray only

Pros and Cons for Astelin

Pros

  • Works well to relieve nasal symptoms during allergy season
  • Might work faster than steroid nasal sprays and some oral antihistamines
  • Sprayed directly into the nose
  • Available in two different strengths (0.1% and 0.15%)

Cons

  • Doesn't have a counter to keep track of the number of sprays you have left in the bottle
  • Can leave a bitter taste in your mouth (but it goes away)
  • Can cause sleepiness in some people
  • Might need to use twice a day

Common Side Effects for Astelin

Azelastine 0.1% nasal spray:

  • Bitter taste in the mouth (20%)
  • Headache (15%)
  • Sleepiness (12%)
  • Nasal burning (4%)

Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray:

  • Bitter taste in the mouth (4%)
  • Nasal discomfort (4%)

Warnings for Astelin

  • Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating

Prices with our coupons for Astepro vs. Astelin

Price Card Drug Icon
Azelastine Non-Prescription1 nasal spray / 23ml of 205.5mcg/spray
$17.54-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Azelastine1 nasal spray / 30ml of 137mcg/spray
$19.97$33.36
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