Rhinolast nasal spray (azelastine)

How does it work?

Rhinolast nasal spray contains the active ingredient azelastine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It works by preventing the actions of histamine.

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen, pet fur, dust mites), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H-1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In nasal allergies such as hayfever, histamine causes inflammation of the membranes in the nose. This results in symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.

Azelastine is used as a nasal spray to allow it to act directly on the membranes in the nose. It works by blocking the histamine receptors in the nose. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area.

The nasal spray can be used to both relieve and prevent the typical symptoms of nasal allergies.

What is it used for?

Hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)

Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies that occur thoughout the year (perennial allergic rhinitis).

Warning!

This medicine is for nasal use only. It should not be taken by mouth. Avoid getting the spray in the eyes.

Before using the spray for the first time, squeeze down the collar several times until an even spray emerges.

Any remaining nasal spray should be discarded six months after the spray is first opened. This is because it could be contaminated with dirt or germs. Write the date you open your nasal spray on the bottle so you know when to throw it away. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.

Not to be used in

Children under five years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. As a result it should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Very small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk after application to the nose. It should be used with caution by women who are breastfeeding and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Bitter taste and nausea (this is usually caused by tipping the head too far backwards when administering the spray into the nostrils)

Nasal irritation, eg stinging or itching

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

Sneezing

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine has not been reported to affect any other medicines.

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