Astelin

What is Astelin?

Astelin is an antihistamine that helps relieve the symptoms of a nasal infection.

Nasal infections can happen for various reasons, like colds or bacteria. Most of the time, nasal infections are self-limiting, meaning they clear up on their own without any treatment.

But when you do get a nasal infection, your immune system releases histamine to fight off the infection. Histamine is a useful part of the immune response, but it can also cause uncomfortable effects like inflammation, which leads to blocked and runny nose.

Astelin helps stop histamine from being released, which helps alleviate these symptoms.

How does Astelin work?

Azelastine, the active ingredient in Astelin, is an antihistamine that prevents histamine from binding to receptors in your nose.

Histamine is a chemical that’s often released as part of your immune response to an allergen or foreign invader, like bacteria. While histamine plays a role in helping to fight the infection, it can trigger symptoms like nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe and being generally uncomfortable.

By blocking histamine Astelin reduces inflammation, which in turn alleviates these symptoms.^[1]

What doses of Astelin are there?

Astelin is available as a nasal spray in 0.1% concentration. The usual dose is one to two sprays in each nostril, once a day. For serious infections, you might need to use it twice a day, but your doctor will provide detailed information on the dosage after your consultation.

How to use Astelin

Before using Astelin, you’ll need to first prime the bottle:           

• Shake the bottle.
• Remove the cap. 
• Press the pump multiple times until a fine mist is produced. 

After that, it’s ready to use. To use Astelin: 

1. Blow your nose gently. 
2. Remove the cap.
3. Spray once into your nostril while keeping your head upright. 
4. Repeat for the other nostril. 
5. Wipe and replace the protective cap.

You should only use Astelin once a day unless your doctor advises otherwise. 

How long does Astelin take to work?

Astelin works relatively quickly (within 15 to 30 minutes). You should notice an improvement in your symptoms and find it easier to breathe through your nose.

If you accidentally use more than the recommended amount, you’re unlikely to get any side effects. But if you are concerned, you can contact your doctor anytime.