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| Pronunciation |
|
 (a
ZEL as
teen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Astelin®;
Optivar™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Antihistamine |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to azelastine or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, nasal
irritation, itching) from allergies. Can be used in adults and children 5 years
old and older.
- The eye preparation treats eye itching caused by seasonal
allergies.
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| How does it work? |
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- Azelastine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that
causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the
body's reaction to the allergen.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- For the nose only.
- Avoid spraying in your eyes.
- Read instructions on use given with medicine.
- There is also an eye solution available.
- Take out contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced
15 minutes after medicine is given, but do not replace if eyes are red.
- This medicine is not for treatment of contact lens irritation.
- After applying drop to affected eye then close eyes. Apply pressure to
inside corner of eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in eye.
- Separate other eye medicine by 5 minutes.
- Do not touch bottle tip to eye, lid, or other skin.
- This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the
allergen.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not use a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Wear disease alert identification for allergies.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Feeling sleepy or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other
tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine
affects you.
- For nasal solution, bitter taste.
- For eye solution, burning, stinging, headaches, or bitter
taste.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating
symptoms.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store medicine upright at room temperature. Protect from freezing.
- Throw away opened medicine after 3
months.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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