Astelin® is an antihistamine nasal spray most often prescribed for seasonal allergies and irritants in the environment. Side effects range from minor to severe and from common to rare. The most common Astelin® side effects are a bitter taste in the mouth and drowsiness.
The likelihood of drowsiness while taking Astelin® is increased by the use of other allergy medications and antihistamines, as well as depressants, muscle relaxers, narcotics or alcohol. It is recommended that a person taking Astelin® not engage in any activity in which drowsiness could pose a danger until the person knows how Astelin® specifically affects him. Other medicines should not be taken at the same time as Astelin® without first consulting a medical provider. If either the bitter taste or the drowsiness persist or become difficult to deal with, a medical provider should be consulted.
Some other Astelin® side effects range into the slightly more severe category, though they are less common and do not require immediate medical attention. These side effects include nasal issues such as a burning sensation in the nose, and nosebleeds or bloody mucus; headaches; dizziness; nausea; dry mouth; muscle aches or pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; a sore throat; sudden sneezing; and even weight gain. Many of these Astelin® side effects may dissipate or disappear as the patient's body adjusts to the medication. While none of these side effects should be perceived as a medical emergency, if any of them persist or become difficult for the patient to deal with, a medical provider should be consulted.
More severe yet rare Astelin® side effects may include shortness of breath or troubled breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing. Other severe yet rare side effects that may affect the eyes include eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, and changes in vision. Anyone taking Astelin® who experiences any of these should immediately contact the medical provider who prescribed Astelin®. In addition, if a person taking Astelin® experiences a rapid heartbeat, a skin rash, hives, or itching, sores in the mouth or on the lips, or blood in the urine, he should also talk with the prescriber. If the severity of any side effects reaches a level that causes concern for personal health or safety, immediate medical attention should be sought.
It is important to discuss any side effects with your medical provider to best weigh the severity of your allergy symptoms against possible side effects of the treatment. Interaction with other medications, specifically Cimetidine, can increase the likelihood of side effects, and a doctor's advice should be sought if a person prescribed Astelin® is taking other medications in addition to Astelin®. If a person prescribed Astelin® is suffering from any impairment of kidney function or kidney disease, the prescriber should be notified, as this may affect dosage.