Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine usually comes with patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off with water and call your doctor right away.

Do not use this medicine for any other nose problem (eg, ulcers or surgery, or injury that has not healed) without checking with your doctor first.

To use the spray:

  • When you use the azelastine nasal spray for the first time, you must prime the spray. Press down fully 6 times or until a fine spray comes out.
  • Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 3 days or longer, by spraying the medicine 2 times or until a fine spray comes out.
  • Blow your nose to clear your nostrils.
  • Tilt your head down, looking at your toes, and insert the tip of the nose piece into your nostril. Hold bottle upright and aim the spray tip toward the back of your nose. Tilt your head downward while spraying to avoid a bitter taste in the mouth.
  • Close your other nostril with a finger. Press the pump 1 time and sniff gently at the same time, keeping your head tilted forward and down.
  • Repeat in your other nostril using the same steps.
  • If your healthcare provider tells you to use 2 sprays in each nostril, repeat the steps above for the second spray in each nostril.
  • Do not blow your nose or tip your head back after using the spray.
  • Wipe the tip of the outside of the nose piece with a clean, dry tissue or cloth and put the cap back on.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For nasal dosage form (Astelin® spray):
    • For treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1 or 2 sprays in each nostril 2 times a day, or 2 sprays in each nostril once a day. Each spray contains 137 or 205.5 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day. Each spray contains 137 or 205.5 mcg of azelastine.
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day. Each spray contains 137 mcg of azelastine.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal dosage form (Astepro® spray):
    • For treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis:
      • Children 6 months to 11 years of age—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day. Each spray contains 137 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1 or 2 sprays in each nostril 2 times a day. Each spray contains 137 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine.
      • Children 2 to 11 years of age—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day. Each spray contains 137 mcg of azelastine.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal dosage form (Astepro® allergy spray):
    • For treatment of allergic rhinitis or other upper respiratory allergies:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 sprays in each nostril once a day or 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril 2 times a day (every 12 hours). Do not use more than 4 sprays in each nostril per day (24 hour period). Each spray contains 205.5 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day (every 12 hours). Do not use more than 2 sprays in each nostril per day (24 hour period). Each spray contains 205.5 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the bottle upright with the pump tightly closed.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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