Azelastine nasal spray: a review of pharmacology and clinical efficacy in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis.

Abstract

Azelastine hydrochloride is a pharmacologically distinct H1-receptor antagonist with a broad spectrum of antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Azelastine has established antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects that are unrelated to H1-receptor antagonism, including inhibitory effects on the synthesis of leukotrienes, kinins, and cytokines; the generation of superoxide free radicals; and the expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Azelastine is available in the United States as a nasal spray formulation (Astelin) and is approved for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis. In U.S. clinical trials, azelastine nasal spray was effective in treating all of the symptoms of the allergic rhinitis symptom complex including ocular symptoms, and in double-blind clinical trials in nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis, azelastine nasal spray was effective in treating the total vasomotor rhinitis symptom complex including individual symptoms of nasal congestion and postnasal drip. This article reviews the pharmacologic profile and clinical efficacy and safety of azelastine nasal spray.

• Authors: Phillip L Lieberman, Russell A Settipane
• Journal: Allergy and asthma proceedings (Allergy Asthma Proc) 2003 Mar-Apr Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 95-105 ISSN: 1088-5412 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12776442 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Histamine H1 Antagonists
• Phthalazines
• azelastine

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (metabolism, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Europe
• Histamine H1 Antagonists (metabolism, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Japan
• Phthalazines (metabolism, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Respiratory Hypersensitivity (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Rhinitis (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Treatment Outcome
• United States