What is Astelin? Astelin nasal spray contains azelastine, an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the chemical histamine in your body. Astelin prevents sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies. Astelin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important information about Astelin Astelin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by azelastine. Before using Astelin, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Astelin. Talk with your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Before using Astelin You should not use Astelin if you are allergic to azelastine. Before using Astelin, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Astelin is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Astelin without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Astelin should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old How should I use Astelin? Use Astelin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. To use the Astelin nasal spray: Gently blow your nose before using the Astelin nasal spray. The first time you use a new bottle, screw the pump device onto the bottle. Prime the unit by pumping 4 sprays into the air, away from your face, until a fine mist appears. Prime the spray pump any time it has been longer than 3 days since you last used it. Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up into your nose. Press your other nostril closed with your finger and keep your head upright. Pump the spray and gently inhale at the same time. Use only the number of sprays prescribed by your doctor. Clean the pump nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the Astelin nasal spray. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Store Astelin at room temperature in an upright position, away from moisture and heat. Keep the dust cover on the spray nozzle when not in use. What happens if I miss a dose? Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much Astelin. Overdose symptoms may include extreme sleepiness. What should I avoid while taking Astelin? Astelin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Astelin