Azelastine Medications

Azelastine is an antihistamine medication that prevents histamine effects. It is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and itching.

Astelin

Azelastine

$27.50 per sprayer

10ml

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Azelastine Information

Azelastine is a second-generation antihistamine that belongs to the selective H1-receptor antagonist class. It is available as a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and as eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis. The drug blocks histamine-induced vasodilation and reduces mast-cell degranulation, providing rapid relief from sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Commercially, Azelastine appears under brand names such as Astepro, Optivar, and Alaway, while generic formulations are widely stocked through our online pharmacy. Off-label, clinicians sometimes employ Azelastine for chronic urticaria or as an adjunct in sinusitis, although these uses are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies.

What is Azelastine?

Azelastine is a potent, reversible H1-histamine receptor antagonist with additional mast-cell stabilising properties. The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore approved the nasal spray formulation in 2004 for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, and the eye-drop version received approval a few years later for allergic conjunctivitis. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first cleared Azelastine nasal spray in 2001, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) followed with a similar indication in 2003. By targeting the H1 receptor on nasal mucosa and conjunctival tissue, Azelastine prevents histamine-mediated inflammation, thereby alleviating typical allergy symptoms. Both branded products and generic versions are readily available from our pharmacy service, allowing patients to choose the option that best fits their budget.

How Azelastine Works

Mechanism of Action

Azelastine binds with high affinity to H1-histamine receptors, competitively inhibiting histamine from triggering the intracellular cascade that leads to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and nerve stimulation. In parallel, the drug stabilises mast cells, limiting the release of other inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and cytokines.

Therapeutic Effects

By blocking histamine and dampening mast-cell activity, Azelastine reduces nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and ocular itching. The combined antihistamine and anti-inflammatory actions translate into faster symptom control compared with first-generation antihistamines that lack mast-cell stabilisation.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that noticeable relief begins within 15 minutes of a single nasal spray, with maximal effect achieved after about 2 hours. The drug’s half-life in plasma is approximately 22 hours, allowing twice-daily dosing to maintain consistent symptom control throughout the day.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Allergic Rhinitis (nasal spray): Seasonal and perennial forms, as sanctioned by the Health Sciences Authority (Singapore) and the FDA.
Allergic Conjunctivitis (eye drops): Seasonal and perennial ocular allergy, approved by the HSA and EMA.

Off-Label Uses

Although not officially endorsed, some clinicians prescribe Azelastine for chronic urticaria or as an adjunctive therapy in acute sinusitis when histamine-driven inflammation persists. These practices rely on observational data and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 45 % reduction in total nasal symptom scores after 7 days of twice-daily Azelastine nasal spray. In ocular trials, patients reported a 38 % improvement in itching and redness scores within 30 minutes of the first eye-drop administration.

Buying Azelastine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing Azelastine can be challenging in regions where stocked formulations are limited. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering discreet, reliable delivery directly to your Singapore address.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Astepro - branded nasal spray, .1 % solution.
Optivar - branded eye-drop, .5 % formulation.
Alaway - over-the-counter nasal spray in the United States, now available via our platform.

Generic Azelastine offers the same active ingredient at a fraction of the brand-price, delivering up to 30 % savings per pack.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring each shipment meets strict quality criteria.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing structures allow you to purchase a month’s supply for less than half the retail cost of brand-named products. Reorder through our service and enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all subsequent purchases.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) options, packaged in unmarked boxes to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Nasal Spray: .1 % solution, typically in 140 µg per spray devices.
Eye Drops: .5 % solution, 1 mg per drop.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For allergic rhinitis, clinicians often start adults on two sprays per nostril once daily, with the option to increase to twice daily based on symptom severity. In allergic conjunctivitis, one drop per eye twice daily is a common regimen. Actual dosing must be individualized by a healthcare provider.

Administration Guidelines

Nasal spray should be administered with the head slightly tilted forward, allowing the spray to coat the nasal mucosa without expelling the medication. Eye drops are best applied after washing hands, with the lower eyelid pulled down to create a small pocket. Food does not significantly affect absorption, but avoid immediate vigorous nose blowing after dosing to allow optimal coverage.

A qualified clinician determines the final dose, taking into account age, comorbidities, and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Bitter taste (≈ 15 % of users)
Nasal irritation or burning sensation (≈ 12 %)
Drowsiness (≈ 10 %)
Headache (≈ 8 %)

These effects are generally mild and transient, resolving within a few days of continued use.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare cases of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Immediate medical attention is required if swelling of the face, throat, or difficulty breathing occurs.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to Azelastine or any excipients.
Use in patients with severe hepatic impairment is not recommended.

Drug Interactions

Azelastine is metabolised partly by CYP3A4; strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase systemic exposure. Concurrent use with other antihistamines or serotonergic agents can potentiate sedative effects.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Limited data; recommended only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk.
Elderly: Dose adjustments are generally unnecessary, but monitor for increased drowsiness.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: No formal dosage change is required, yet clinicians may opt for cautious titration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Azelastine differ from loratadine? Azelastine is administered locally (nasal spray or eye drops) and provides rapid onset within minutes, whereas loratadine is an oral antihistamine with a slower systemic effect.
How long before Azelastine produces noticeable effects for allergic rhinitis? Most patients experience symptom relief within 15 minutes, with peak efficacy observed after 2 hours of consistent twice-daily dosing.
What should I do if I experience a bitter taste after using Azelastine nasal spray? The taste is a common side effect; drinking water or rinsing the mouth after administration can reduce its intensity.
Are there any foods I need to avoid while taking Azelastine? No specific dietary restrictions exist, but excessive alcohol may intensify drowsiness, so moderation is advisable.
What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to Azelastine? Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing require emergency medical care.
Can Azelastine be used together with other allergy medications? It can be combined with intranasal corticosteroids for additive effect, but concurrent use with multiple antihistamines should be discussed with a clinician to avoid excess sedation.
Does taking Azelastine with food affect its absorption? Because Azelastine is applied topically, oral intake does not impact its bioavailability.
Is it safe to use Azelastine eye drops if I wear contact lenses? Remove lenses before instillation, wait at least 10 minutes, then re-insert to minimise irritation.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Azelastine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of any previous allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- Description of symptom patterns (frequency, triggers, severity).
- Any existing medical conditions, especially liver, kidney, or respiratory diseases.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Azelastine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Azelastine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Azelastine.