Rhinolast

What is Rhinolast Spray?

Rhinolast Nasal Spray contains azelastine hydrochloride, which relieves the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including congestion, sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Each spray delivers a metered 0.14ml dose used twice daily in each nostril, meaning the bottle should last several weeks. It's suitable for adults and children aged 6 and over.

How Does Rhinolast Work?

Azelastine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Rhinolast, is an antihistamine. It works by blocking H1 receptors in the nose, which stops histamine from triggering the sneezing, itching, congestion and runny nose of an allergic reaction. It's also been shown to have broader anti-inflammatory effects, reducing other chemicals like leukotrienes that are involved in the allergic response.

How Long Does Rhinolast Take to Work?

Rhinolast can start working within around 15 minutes of your first dose, with symptoms continuing to improve over several hours. It has one of the fastest onsets of action when compared to other nasal sprays and can provide relief for up to 12 hours.

How Effective is Rhinolast Antihistamine Nasal Spray?

Rhinolast has been shown to ease hay fever symptoms. Trials using the same dose (one spray in each nostril twice a day) found symptoms improved by around 14 to 22%, compared with 5 to 12% on placebo. A separate trial found azelastine continued to outperform both placebo and the steroid spray mometasone furoate over 8 hours, with an improvement visible within about 15 minutes of the first dose.

Most of the trial evidence for Rhinolast focuses on hay fever. For year-round allergies, less published evidence is available, and the results have been more mixed, though Rhinolast remains licensed for this use.

How to Use Rhinolast Nasal Spray

The Rhinolast spray is typically used twice daily, first in the morning and then in the evening, once in each nostril per administration. You should always follow the correct procedure when using it, which is as follows:

1. Blow your nose before using the spray
2. Pull the protective cap upward to remove it
3. If it's your first time using the Rhinolast, press the nozzle down several times until you see an even spray pattern
4. Slide the top of the spray bottle into one nostril with your index and middle fingers on each side of the nozzle and your thumb supporting the bottle from the bottom
5. Keeping your head straight, press your fingers down to release the spray. Do not tilt your head when delivering the dose
6. Use a tissue to wipe the nozzle
7. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 for your other nostril, then replace the protective cap

If it has been over a week since you used the treatment, you may need to prime it again. Repeat step 3 to prime your Rhinolast nasal spray.

If You Forget to Use Rhinolast Spray

If you forget to use your Rhinolast spray, use it as soon as you remember, then continue the next dosage as usual at the standard time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

If You Use Too Much Rhinolast

If you use too much Rhinolast nasal spray, it is unlikely to cause serious problems, but you should still avoid doing so as much as possible. If you have any concerns or side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Swallowing and Eye Contact

If you swallow any amount of Rhinolast, contact a doctor or your local hospital straight away. If you accidentally get any Rhinolast spray in your eyes, rinse and bathe them with plenty of water. They may sting for a while afterwards.

Rhinolast Nasal Spray Side Effects

Rhinolast can come with some unwanted side effects, and it is best to make sure you know exactly what could come up before starting the treatment. If your side effects become too hard to manage, speak to your clinician.

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): You may find an unpleasant taste in your mouth, especially when tilting your head backwards or while using the nasal spray.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): You may encounter slight irritation on the inside of your nose, such as itching or stinging, or sneezing and epistaxis.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): In rarer cases, the unpleasant mouth taste can cause bouts of nausea. Other rare side effects include fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
• Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash, pruritus, and urticaria, can occur very rarely.

More information about Rhinolast side effects is available in the Patient Information Leaflet, which is available online. If you experience any side effects, whether listed above or not, tell your clinician. Alternatively, you can also report them directly to the Yellow Card Scheme. By reporting side effects, you can help narrow down the frequency at which they occur.

Rhinolast Warnings and Interactions

While Rhinolast is an effective medicine, it will not be suitable for everyone. Factors to consider include existing medical conditions, age, and other medications that may interact with it in undesirable ways.

Children under 6 should not use Rhinolast. If you are allergic to azelastine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in the medicine, do not use it.

Rhinolast Spray and Other Medicines

Rhinolast is not currently known to interact with other medicines, but you should still tell your clinician everything else you are taking, may soon take, or have recently taken. This is a precautionary measure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The effects of Rhinolast on unborn or breastfeeding children are currently unclear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning on having a baby, you should consult with your clinician before starting this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinolast Nasal Spray