Get Informed: Astelin
Active Ingredient(s)
Azelastine
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It also is also available as eye drops for the treatment of itching of the eye from allergic conjunctivitis. It is an antihistamine which reduces the effects of allergies on the body.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 2:09 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 9:02 PM
Other Names
- Astelin
- Optivar
- Azelastine Hydrochloride
- Azelastine
- Rhinolast
- Optilast
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 01 Nov 1996
- Est US Patients*
- 349,200
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Astelin or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Astelin
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Astelin during the past year.
Astelin Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Astelin used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 2,300 patients that use Astelin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | 81% | 
|
| Nasal/Sinus Congestion | 57% |
|
How well does Astelin work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 2,300 users taking Astelin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 95%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Astelin outweigh the bad things.
- 0%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Astelin.
Common Side Effects of Astelin
iGuard regularly polls our more than 2,300 users taking Astelin (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
20% of patients experience side-effects on Astelin
< 1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Astelin
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Altered Taste/Smell
-
Nasal/Sinus Congestion
-
Drowsiness
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Astelin (Azelastine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I use Astepro (azelastine HCL) twice daily. It has alleviated intermittment nocturnal awakening because of restricted ability to breathe in (which required violent coughing to clear my chest). Unpleasant taste diminishes within a minute or two. It's important to use as directed - bend forward and aim spray to the side of each nostril, NOT straight up into the nose.
77 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-05-05 16:06:07
Answer/Reply:
58 year old female
I HAVE GREAT THINGS TO SAY A ADVAIR IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. IT HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-06-03 15:24:12
Answer/Reply:
I was using astellin but now I am on astapro. I was told that astellin just changed their name. Thanks for the info on how to do it correctly as a lot of people don't. I have been using this kind of medicine for years and it does help me a lot.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-12 12:24:10
Question/Comment:
Because of severe year-round allergies I am taking two antihistamines. I use the Astelin in the morning and the Allegra in the evening on days when the allergies are most severe.
Astelin does cause some sleepiness, and it is difficult to get in into the sinuses where it can be the most effective. I has a bad taste when it comes down into the throat, so trying to get it into the sinus is important. Working with the Allegra I find more relief.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2008-11-20 15:01:28
Answer/Reply:
My suggestion is that you take Allegra in the morning as it does not cause drowsiness and take your Astelin at night. The drowsiness from Astelin will just add to a good night's sleep.
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-03-30 14:11:10
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
5
Patient Comments about
Astelin