What is Rhinolast and what is it used for?

Rhinolast nasal spray contains the antihistamine Azelastine hydrochloride. Antihistamines are designed to provide relief from the symptoms of allergies that specifically affect the nose (allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include;

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• A runny nose

Azelastine hydrochloride has proven effective against allergies to pollens (hay fever), as well as allergies to household irritants, such as dust mites and animal dander.

Rhinolast is manufactured by Mylan and is available in a 22ml bottle containing approximately 140 metered sprays. This nasal spray is available on prescription and can be used by adults and children over the age of 6 years.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis occurs as a result of a hypersensitive immune system. When an allergen enters the nose, the immune system attacks it, mistaking the allergen for something more serious, such as an infection. This will trigger an immune response, which causes the body to produce extra mucus and release chemicals known as histamines resulting in inflammation in the nasal passages.

This reaction leads to symptoms that include; congestion and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis is a very common condition. In The UK alone, it affects approximately 20% of people. It is not fully understood why these allergies develop. However, sometimes they run in families.

How does Rhinolast work?

Rhinolast contains the active ingredient Azelastine hydrochloride, which is a medicine known as an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of the chemical histamine that is released as a reaction to an allergen. By preventing this chemical action Rhinolast reduces and prevents allergic symptoms.

How quickly does Rhinolast work?

Rhinolast spray will provide antihistamine relief for approximately 12 hours. However, if your allergic rhinitis is caused by severe inflammation, Rhinolast may take a few days to reach its full effect.

Alternative Treatments to Rhinolast

Another prescription-only nasal spray used to treat allergic rhinitis is Dymista. Dymista contains both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid. You must not use Rhinolast and Dymista at the same time, as you will exceed the recommended dose of antihistamine.

These are some of the other alternative antihistamine and steroidal treatments available here at The Independent Pharmacy:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Piriton, Loratadine and Cetirizine
• Prescription antihistamines like Telfast or Xyzal
• Over-the-counter nasal sprays such as Pirinase or Beclometasone
• Prescription-only nasal sprays such as Avamys, Flixonase or Nasonex
• Eye drop solutions like Opticrom or Optilast

You should try over-the-counter (OTC) treatment before moving on to a prescription-only medicine. You can find the above medicines and more over on our hay fever treatments page.

There are some non-medicinal methods to help combat hay fever symptoms. Some of these may include:

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses
• Keep windows closed when it is a day with a high pollen count.
• Try to have a shower after a day almost straight away. This will remove any trapped pollen grains from your hair and or skin.

Sources

• Rhinolast, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...