Zelanex Nasal Spray

Indications of Zelanex

Azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray is an H1 receptor blocker indicated for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and pediatric patients aged 5 years and older and for the symptomatic treatment of motor rhinitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older.

Pharmacology of Zelanex

Azelastine, a derivative of phthalazine, exhibits histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity in isolated tissues, animal and human models. It was used as a racemic mixture with no difference in pharmacological activity observed between enantiomers in vitro studies. The major metabolite, desmethylazelastine, also has H1-receptor antagonist activity.

Dosage

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: For adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis, the recommended dose of azelastine nasal spray is one or two sprays in each nostril, twice daily. The recommended dose of azelastine nasal spray for children 5 to 11 years of age is one spray in each nostril, twice a day.

Vasomotor Rhinitis: For adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with vasomotor rhinitis, the recommended dose of azelastine nasal spray is two sprays in each nostril, twice daily. Azelastine nasal spray is for intranasal use only.

Primer: Pretreat Azelastine Nasal Spray releasing 4 sprays before first use or until a fine mist appears. If you have not used azelastine nasal spray for 3 days or longer, please re-spray 2 times or until a fine mist appears. Avoid spraying the eyes with azelastine nasal spray.

Administration

How to use

Nasal spray Gently shakes the bottle and remove the dust cover.

Place your index finger and middle finger on either side of the nozzle and place your thumb under the bottle. Press until a fine spray appears. If you are using it for the first time, or if you have not used it for a week or more, press the nasal applicator several times until a small amount of water comes out of the container.

Gently blow your nose to clear your nostrils.

Close one nostril and carefully insert the nasal applicator into the opened nostril. Tilt your head slightly forward and keep the spray upright. Inhale through your nose, and while inhaling, firmly press the white neck of the nasal applicator once to release the spray.

Exhale through your mouth.

 Repeat the above steps in the same or another nostril for continuous administration.

 Cleansing –

The nasal spray cleanses at least once a week. The steps are as follows:

Remove the dust cover.

Gently pull down on the nasal applicator.

Clean applicator and dust cover with lukewarm water.

Shake off excess water and place in a normal place to dry. Avoid applying additional heat.

Gently push the applicator to the top of the bottle and replace the dust cap.

Interaction of Zelanex

It is especially important to check before combining azelastine nasal spray with alcohol, CNS depressants, cimetidine, and ketoconazole.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Azelastine or any of its components.

Side Effects of Zelanex

Headache, dizziness, sneezing, nosebleed, nausea, tingling or itchy nose, dry mouth, sore throat, bitter taste, etc.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use during pregnancy: The effects of azelastine during pregnancy have not been fully studied. If the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, azelastine should be used during pregnancy.

Use in nursing mothers: It is unknown whether azelastine is excreted in human milk. However, caution should be exercised when administering azelastine to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

In clinical trials, some patients taking azelastine nasal spray have reported drowsiness; therefore, extreme care should be taken when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Avoid using this nasal spray with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants because it may further reduce alertness and further impair central nervous system function.

Therapeutic Class

Nasal Anti-histamine preparations

Storage Conditions

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place protected from light. Do not freeze.