Review of the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety of azelastine hydrochloride.

Rhinitis is one of the most common diseases in the general population. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, rhinitis can cause significant discomfort and, therefore, negatively impact quality of life. Several treatment options are available; however, optimal relief of symptoms is difficult to achieve for most patients. Azelastine hydrochloride (Astelin) nasal spray is the only prescription intranasal antihistamine available in the USA, and is approved for treating symptoms of both seasonal allergic rhinitis and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis. Oral formulations of azelastine are available outside the USA for use in seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, asthma and urticaria. Azelastine hydrochloride has demonstrated a favorable safety profile during approximately 20 years of clinical use.