Azelastine — what it is and when to use it

Azelastine is a prescription antihistamine used as a nasal spray or eye drops to treat allergy symptoms fast. If your nose itches, you sneeze a lot, or your eyes water and burn from pollen or pet dander, azelastine can reduce those symptoms within minutes to hours. It works locally where you apply it, so side effects are often milder than oral antihistamines.

How to use azelastine safely

Follow your prescriber's directions. For the nasal spray, shake the bottle, prime it if it's new, tilt your head slightly forward, insert the nozzle into one nostril, and spray while breathing in gently. Avoid spraying directly onto the nasal septum. For eye drops, pull down the lower eyelid, drop in the correct number of drops, then close your eye briefly to spread the medicine.

Typical nasal dosing is one or two sprays in each nostril twice daily, but your doctor might adjust that. Don’t use more often or longer than prescribed. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember — unless it's close to the next dose. Do not double up.

Side effects, warnings, and interactions

Common side effects include bitter taste, mild nose irritation, headache, drowsiness, or eye irritation. If you feel very sleepy, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how azelastine affects you. Serious reactions are rare but seek urgent care if you have swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or prostate problems. Azelastine can interact with other sedatives or alcohol and may add to drowsiness. With eye drops, remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 10–15 minutes before putting them back in unless your doctor says otherwise.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Share this with your provider — they’ll weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.

Thinking of buying azelastine online? Only use licensed pharmacies and require a prescription. Look for clear contact info, pharmacist access, and verified reviews. Avoid sites that offer prescription meds without asking for a real prescription; those sellers often send counterfeit or unsafe products.

Store azelastine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Check the bottle for expiration and never use drops or spray that change color, smell odd, or cause burning beyond the usual mild irritation.

When to call your doctor: if allergies don’t improve after a week or two, symptoms worsen, or you get signs of infection like severe nasal pain, fever, or colored nasal discharge. For persistent eye symptoms, get an eye exam to rule out infection or other causes.

Azelastine is a fast, targeted option for nasal and eye allergy relief when used correctly. Ask your healthcare provider if it fits your allergy plan and how it pairs with other treatments like nasal steroids or oral antihistamines.