Introduction
Zelanex belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis).
Follow your doctor's instructions precisely for using Zelanex in the nose. It is used as a nasal spray, so never consume it orally. You should use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Before using it, inform your doctor if you have an infection, injury or ulceration in the inside of the nose.
Since it is a nasal spray, it does not expose the rest of your body to the medicine and hence gives you minimal side effects. It may cause you stinging sensation or bitter taste but these effects are temporary.
Uses of Zelanex
- Sneezing and runny nose due to allergies
How to use Zelanex
Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Insert the bottle tip into one nostril and close the other nostril. Direct the spray towards the sides of your nostril, away from the cartilage dividing the two sides of your nose. As you spray, breath gently and keep the head upright. Repeat the same process for the other nostrils.
How Zelanex works
Zelanex is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.
What if you forget to take Zelanex?
If you miss a dose of Zelanex, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis.
Administration
Prime with 4 sprays before initial use; if idle for 3 days, reprime with 2 sprays
Adult Dose
Allergic Rhinitis:
Adults: 2 sprays per nostril twice daily.
Child Dose
Allergic Rhinitis: Children 5 years to 11 years of age: 1 spray into each nostril twice daily.
Children >12 years: 2 sprays per nostril twice daily.
Contraindication
Known hypersensitivity to Azelastine Hydrochloride or any of its components.
Mode of Action
Azelastine blocks histamine H1-receptor activity and inhibits release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.
Precaution
In clinical trials, the occurrence of somnolence has been reported in some patients taking Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray; due caution should therefore be exercised when driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Concurrent use of Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray with Alcohol or other CNS depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur.
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; use caution
Side Effect
>10%
Bitter taste (8-19.7%),Headache (8-14.8%),Somnolence (1-11.5%),Cold symptoms/rhinitis (2-17%),Cough (11%)
1-10%
Nasal burning (4.1%),Sneezing (3.1%),Dry mouth (2.8%),Nausea (2.8%),Conjunctivitis (2-5%),Asthma (5%),Fatigue (2.3%),Rhinitis (2.3%),Pharyngitis (4%),Dizziness (2%),Weight increase (2%),Myalgia (<2%)
<1%
Amenorrhea,Breast pain,Constipation,Contact dermatitis,Eczema,Flushing,Glossitis,Hyperkinesia,Hypertension,Tachycardia,Vertigo,Vomiting
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy
Limited data from postmarketing experience over decades of use in pregnant women have not identified any drug associated risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes
Animal data
In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of fetal harm at oral doses approximately 5 times the clinical daily dose; oral administration to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits, during the period of organogenesis, produced developmental toxicity that included structural abnormalities, decreased embryo-fetal survival, and decreased fetal body weights at doses 270 times and higher than maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose of 1.096 mg; relevance of these findings in animals to pregnant women considered questionable based upon high animal to human dose multiple
Lactation
There are no data on presence in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production; breastfed infants should be monitored for signs of milk rejection during use by lactating women; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on breastfed infant from drug or from underlying maternal condition