What is azelastine used for?

Azelastine is a nasal spray used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergies and vasomotor rhinitis.

Can azelastine make me sleepy?

Yes, some people taking azelastine report feeling sleepy or somnolent.

Can I drive after using azelastine nasal spray?

You should use caution and avoid driving or operating machinery if azelastine makes you feel drowsy.

Can I drink alcohol while using azelastine?

It is best to avoid alcohol while using azelastine because it can increase sleepiness and impair your central nervous system.

How do I prime my azelastine nasal spray?

Before the first use, spray it 4 times until a mist appears. If you haven't used it for 3 days, prime it with 2 sprays.

Is azelastine safe for children?

It is approved for seasonal allergies in children 5 years and older, and for vasomotor rhinitis in children 12 years and older.

What are the most common side effects of azelastine?

Common side effects include a bitter taste, headache, sleepiness, and nasal burning.

What should I do if I accidentally swallow too much azelastine?

There is no specific antidote; use general supportive measures and keep the product away from children to prevent accidental swallowing.

azelastine | CAS 58581-89-8 | MBUVEWMHONZEQD

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Anti-allergy and anti-asthmatic medication.

Azelastine hydrochloride (HCl) is a nasal spray used to treat allergy symptoms like seasonal allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis. It works as an H1-receptor antagonist to help manage these conditions.

How it worksAzelastine works as an H1-receptor antagonist to block the effects of histamines that cause allergy symptoms.

Brand names:Azelastine Hydrochloride

Used for

Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and children 5 years and olderVasomotor rhinitis symptoms in adults and adolescents 12 years and older

Conditions

Allergic diseaseEye allergyNasal congestionSeasonal allergic rhinitisAllergic rhinitisPerennial allergic rhinitis

Class

H1-receptor antagonistAntihistamineAnti-allergy and anti-asthmatic medication.RespiratoryImmune

How to take

FormsNasal spray

RoutesIntranasal

For seasonal allergies, children 5-11 take 1 spray per nostril twice daily. Adults and teens 12+ take 1 or 2 sprays per nostril twice daily. For vasomotor rhinitis, adults and teens 12+ take 2 sprays per nostril twice daily.

Prime the spray before the first use by spraying 4 times, or if not used for 3 or more days, prime with 2 sprays. Do not spray into the eyes.

Key warnings

·Azelastine may cause sleepiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy.
·Avoid using alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness while using this spray, as it can make sleepiness worse.

Side effects

Common

Bitter tasteHeadacheSleepiness (somnolence)Nasal burningDry mouthNauseaFatigueDizzinessWeight increaseNosebleeds (epistaxis)SinusitisPharyngitis

Serious

·Somnolence (extreme sleepiness) that may affect mental alertness

Seek help if

·If you experience severe drowsiness or difficulty breathing.

Interactions

·Alcohol
·Central nervous system (CNS) depressants

AlcoholAvoid alcohol or other CNS depressants with azelastine, as it can increase drowsiness and impair your performance.

Special populations

PregnancyLimited data is available for pregnant women, but animal studies at very high doses showed some developmental issues. The actual risk to humans is currently unknown.

PediatricAzelastine is approved for seasonal allergy symptoms in children ages 5 and older. It is approved for vasomotor rhinitis in children ages 12 and older. Use in children under 5 for seasonal allergies or under 12 for vasomotor rhinitis has not been tested.

GeriatricThere isn't enough information to know if older adults respond differently. Doctors may start elderly patients on a lower dose due to changes in how the body processes medicine.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Level of alertness and sleepiness
·Nasal irritation or burning
·Taste changes

Questions to ask

·Can I use azelastine if I am feeling very tired?
·Is it safe to use azelastine with my other medications?
·How much should I use if I am over 65?

Practical

OverdoseNo overdoses have been reported. If an overdose occurs, use general supportive care. Keep this medicine away from children as swallowing antihistamines can be dangerous for them.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.