Azelastine: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description| | {{Short description|An antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis}} | ||
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[[File:Azelastine.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Azelastine]] | |||
== | '''Azelastine''' is a [[pharmaceutical drug]] used primarily as an [[antihistamine]] for the treatment of [[allergic rhinitis]] and [[allergic conjunctivitis]]. It is available in various forms, including nasal sprays and eye drops, and is known for its ability to relieve symptoms such as [[sneezing]], [[itching]], and [[runny nose]]. | ||
Azelastine is a selective [[histamine H1 receptor]] antagonist. | |||
==Pharmacology== | |||
Azelastine is a selective [[histamine H1 receptor]] antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Azelastine also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in treating allergic conditions. | |||
== | ==Medical Uses== | ||
Azelastine is indicated for the treatment of: | Azelastine is indicated for the treatment of: | ||
* [[Allergic rhinitis]]: | * [[Allergic rhinitis]]: Azelastine nasal spray is used to relieve nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. | ||
* [[Allergic conjunctivitis]]: | * [[Allergic conjunctivitis]]: Azelastine eye drops are used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis. | ||
== | ==Administration== | ||
Azelastine is administered as a nasal spray or eye drops. The | Azelastine is administered as a nasal spray or eye drops. The nasal spray is typically used twice daily, while the eye drops are used as needed, usually up to four times a day. | ||
==Side Effects== | ==Side Effects== | ||
Common side effects of | Common side effects of azelastine include: | ||
* Bitter taste | * [[Bitter taste]] | ||
* Headache | * [[Headache]] | ||
* Nasal irritation | * [[Nasal irritation]] | ||
* Drowsiness | * [[Drowsiness]] | ||
Less common | Less common side effects may include: | ||
* | * [[Nausea]] | ||
* | * [[Dizziness]] | ||
* [[Fatigue]] | |||
== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
Azelastine works by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells and blocking the H1 receptor, preventing histamine from binding and causing allergic symptoms. It also stabilizes mast cells and has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the overall allergic response. | |||
== | ==Chemical Properties== | ||
[[File:Azelastine-based-on-xtal-3D-bs-17.png|thumb|left|3D structure of Azelastine]] | |||
Azelastine is chemically classified as a phthalazinone derivative. Its molecular formula is C22H24ClN3O, and it has a molecular weight of 381.9 g/mol. The compound is a white, crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water. | |||
== | ==History== | ||
* [[ | Azelastine was first developed in the 1970s and was approved for medical use in the 1980s. It has since become a widely used medication for the treatment of allergic conditions. | ||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Antihistamine]] | |||
* [[Allergic rhinitis]] | * [[Allergic rhinitis]] | ||
* [[Allergic conjunctivitis]] | * [[Allergic conjunctivitis]] | ||
* [[Histamine]] | * [[Histamine]] | ||
[[Category:Antihistamines]] | [[Category:Antihistamines]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Allergy treatments]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Ophthalmology drugs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:11, 23 March 2025
An antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis

Azelastine is a pharmaceutical drug used primarily as an antihistamine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. It is available in various forms, including nasal sprays and eye drops, and is known for its ability to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Pharmacology[edit]
Azelastine is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Azelastine also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in treating allergic conditions.
Medical Uses[edit]
Azelastine is indicated for the treatment of:
- Allergic rhinitis: Azelastine nasal spray is used to relieve nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Azelastine eye drops are used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Administration[edit]
Azelastine is administered as a nasal spray or eye drops. The nasal spray is typically used twice daily, while the eye drops are used as needed, usually up to four times a day.
Side Effects[edit]
Common side effects of azelastine include:
Less common side effects may include:
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Azelastine works by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells and blocking the H1 receptor, preventing histamine from binding and causing allergic symptoms. It also stabilizes mast cells and has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the overall allergic response.
Chemical Properties[edit]

Azelastine is chemically classified as a phthalazinone derivative. Its molecular formula is C22H24ClN3O, and it has a molecular weight of 381.9 g/mol. The compound is a white, crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water.
History[edit]
Azelastine was first developed in the 1970s and was approved for medical use in the 1980s. It has since become a widely used medication for the treatment of allergic conditions.