Major Research Findings

Azelastine hydrochloride is a nasally administered antihistamine that is effective and safe for the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. In addition to acting as a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, azelastine also inhibits the production or release of many chemical mediators of the allergic response such as leukotrienes, free radicals, and cytokines. After nasal administration, azelastine is systemically absorbed with a bioavailability of about 40%. 1

Reason for Side Effects

The side effects of azelastine nasal spray are thought to occur when the drug is absorbed into the body and acts on various cells and tissues. Its mechanism of action includes histamine H1 receptor antagonism, inhibition of the production and release of leukotrienes, free radicals, and cytokines, and more. 1

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

One common side effect of azelastine nasal spray is drowsiness. This is thought to be due to the drug acting on the brain and inhibiting the action of neurotransmitters. 1

Headache

One common side effect of azelastine nasal spray is headache. This is thought to be due to the drug acting on blood vessels in the brain and causing them to constrict. 1

Bitter Taste

One common side effect of azelastine nasal spray is a bitter taste. This is thought to be due to the drug acting directly on the nasal mucosa. 1

Side Effect Countermeasures

Drowsiness

To reduce drowsiness from azelastine nasal spray, it is important to avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery after taking the medication. 1

Headache

To reduce headache from azelastine nasal spray, it may be effective to take over-the-counter painkillers or get some rest. 1

Bitter Taste

To reduce the bitter taste from azelastine nasal spray, it may be effective to drink water after taking the medication. 1

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Azelastine nasal spray has been shown to be more effective than placebo in terms of reducing the major and total symptom complexes of allergic rhinitis. 1

Differences between Studies

Azelastine nasal spray has been shown to be as effective as ebastine, loratadine, cetirizine hydrochloride, and terfenadine in symptom reduction. However, when compared with corticosteroids such as budesonide and beclomethasone, the results varied. 1

Application to Real Life: Points to Note

While azelastine nasal spray has been shown to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis, it is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor due to the potential for side effects. 1

Limitations of Current Research

Further research is needed on the long-term safety and efficacy of azelastine nasal spray. 1

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the long-term safety and efficacy of azelastine nasal spray, its effectiveness in patients of various ages and with different conditions, its combined effect with other therapies, and so on. 1

Conclusion

Azelastine nasal spray is an effective medication for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, it is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor due to the potential for side effects. 1