Azelastine nasal (for the nose) is an antihistamine that is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itching, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.

Azelastine nasal is for use in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Azelastine nasal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Before your first use, squeeze the bottle 2 or more times away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Repeat this whenever the nasal spray hasn't been used for longer than 3 days.

To use the nasal spray:

• With your head upright insert the tip of the bottle into the nostril and press your other nostril closed. Breathe in and gently spray the medicine into your nose. Use in your other nostril if directed.

• If the spray gets in your eyes or mouth or on your skin, rinse with water.

• Do not blow your nose for a few minutes.

Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without help from an adult.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Throw away the medicine after you have used 200 sprays, even if there is still medicine left in the bottle.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

0.1% spray: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day
0.15% spray: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day or 2 sprays in each nostril once a day

Use: Seasonal allergic rhinitis

0.15% spray: 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day

Use: Perennial allergic rhinitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

2 to 5 years:
0.1% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
6 to 11 years:
0.1% spray and 0.15% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day

Use: Seasonal allergic rhinitis

6 months to 5 years:
0.1% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day
6 to 11 years:
0.1% spray and 0.15% spray: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day

Use: Perennial allergic rhinitis

Ask a doctor before using azelastine nasal if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Using too much azelastine nasal spray may cause drowsiness.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine. Swallowing azelastine nasal could cause serious harm to a child.

Avoid getting azelastine nasal in your eyes.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of an ear infection:

• ear pain or full feeling;

• drainage from the ear;

• trouble hearing; or

• fever.

Common side effects of azelastine nasal may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;

• a bitter taste in your mouth;

• mouth or throat pain;

• nasal pain or discomfort, nosebleeds;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;

• fever, headache;

• vomiting; or

• skin itching around your nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using azelastine nasal with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect azelastine nasal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.