Astelin is an antihistamine nasal spray. It reduces nasal allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, hay fever or other allergies (seasonal allergies). The most commonly reported adverse events in seasonal allergic rhinitis and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis patients 12 years and older were bitter taste, headache, somnolence, and nasal burning. The adverse event profile in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients 5 to 11 years was similar to that in the adult population.

Astelin Dosage

For adults, the usual starting dose is 2 sprays into each nostril twice a day. To relieve hay fever in children between 5 and 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 spray into each nostril twice a day. Astelin is not recommended for other types of congestion in this age group. Safety and effectiveness in children under 5 have not been established.

Uses of Astelin

It is used to treat hay fever symptoms such as itchy, runny nose and sneezing, and can also be used to relieve cases of congested, runny nose. Hay fever sufferers may get better relief from a nasal antihistamine than from an oral antihistamine, a clinical trial shows.

Side Effects of Astelin

Before taken Astelin medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor. If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Side effects may include:

Bitter taste, drowsiness, headache, loss of sensation, nasal, burning, sneezing, sore throat

Warnings and precautions before taking Astelin:

Astelin can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or undertake any other activity that requires mental alertness until you know how the drug affects you. Avoid combining Astelin with alcohol, antihistamines, and other drugs that slow the central nervous system; worse drowsiness could result.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if used at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Astelin with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Astelin with the following:

Alcohol

Drugs that slow the nervous system, including codeine, phenobarbital, and Restoril

Cimetidine

Ketoconazole

Other antihistamines such as Benadryl and Claritin

Overdose

After taken Astelin if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. A severe overdose is unlikely, and would probably cause no other symptoms than extreme drowsiness.