Azelastine hydrochloride (hcl) is a potent antihistamine used to reduce or eliminate symptoms of hay fever or other allergies. It is generally considered safe for use in patients 5 years of age and up.

This product is effective at treating:

• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat/roof of mouth
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip

It's possible to buy azelastine hcl as either a nasal spray or eye drops. The nasal spray version addresses multiple allergy symptoms, while eye drops focus on itchy, watery eyes and do little for other symptoms.

The nasal spray version of this medication is more widely known by the brand names Rhinolast, Azep, Allergodil, Astelin, Astepro and Lastin. Eye drops are more commonly recognized as Optilast or Optivar. In some areas of the world it is possible to buy azelastine hcl as a generic, but in many places it is available as a brand-name product only.

Using Azelastine

Unlike many similar allergy treatments, azelastine hcl does not contain steroids. Steroid treatments usually take several days of regular use before significant results are noticed; azelastine hcl works quickly and can be used as-needed.

Medications which treat allergy symptoms are usually marketed towards patients who suffer from hay fever or other seasonal, outdoor allergies. While certainly beneficial in these cases, many patients also buy azelastine hcl to help control indoor allergies, or allergies from other sources, such as pet dander or pollution. Note, however, that allergy products like azelastine hcl are unlikely to improve asthma symptoms.

Administration depends on the type of product being used:

• Nasal Sprays - Typically 1 or 2 sprays per nostril, administered once or twice per day as needed. Children 5 to 11 years of age should receive only 1 spray per nostril once per day.
• Eye Drops - Typically 1 drop in each eye twice per day. Treatment may be increased to 1 drop per eye four times per day if needed.

Many patients notice improvements within 15 minutes of administration of either eye drops or nasal spray. It may take up to three hours for maximum benefit to be felt. The product may be used indefinitely as long as it is providing benefits and not causing disruptive side effects.

Symptoms are most likely to be completely eliminated if azelastine is administered at the earliest signs of allergies. The medication will still provide significant benefits if used at later stages, however.

Warnings & Side Effects

Side effects are unlikely, but do occur on occasion. Most are mild and not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive:

• Bitter taste in back of mouth
• Mild headache
• Mild burning sensation in nose or eyes
• Drowsiness
• Mild nosebleed
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Dry mouth

Very rarely serious side effects happen which call for medical attention; primarily serious nosebleeds or allergic reactions to the medication which may cause swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.

Azelastine is unlikely to cause harm to unborn or nursing babies when used as recommended. However, there have been no studies done on the subject and very high doses of the medication do produce birth defects in animal studies. Parents should speak with a trusted doctor about potential risks before use.

Because the medication makes some users drowsy, caution should be exercised until its effects are known.

A Pharmacy at your Fingertips

Clients do not need a prescription to buy azelastine hcl from Kiwi Drug and there is no limit on quantity. In fact you stand to save big when you do buy in quantity---our multi-pack discounts cannot be beat.

Remember to buy azelastine hcl before allergy season so you have it on-hand when you need it most! As mentioned above this product is known by a number of brand names, but they are all identical. The names vary only by the product's country of origin.