INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (nasal spray), 0.1% (137 mcg per spray) is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and pediatric patients years and older, and for the treatment of the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis in adults and adolescent patients 12 years and older.. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (nasal spray) is an H1-receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and pediatric patients years and older and for the treatment of the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis in adults and adolescent patients 12 years and older. (1).

ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. Use of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution has been associated with somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].. The most common adverse reactions (>=2% incidence) are: bitter taste, headache, somnolence, dysesthesia, rhinitis, nasal burning, pharyngitis, epistaxis, sinusitis, paroxysmal sneezing, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and weight increase. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. at 1-800-818-4555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience. Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution Two Sprays Per Nostril Twice Daily Adverse experience information for azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution is derived from six placebo- and active- controlled, 2-day to 8-week clinical trials which included 391 patients, 12 years of age and older, with seasonal allergic rhinitis who received azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution at dose of sprays per nostril twice daily. In placebo-controlled efficacy trials, the incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions in patients receiving azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution and vehicle placebo was 2.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Table contains adverse reactions that were reported with frequencies >=2% in the azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution sprays per nostril twice daily treatment group and more frequently than placebo.Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in >=2% Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis [n (%)] Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal SolutionN 391 Vehicle PlaceboN 353 Bitter Taste 77 (19.7%) (0.6%) Headache 58 (14.8%) 45 (12.7%) Somnolence 45 (11.5%) 19 (5.4%) Nasal Burning 16 (4.1%) (1.7%) Pharyngitis 15 (3.8%) 10 (2.8%) Paroxysmal Sneezing 12 (3.1%) (1.1%) Dry Mouth 11 (2.8%) (1.7%) Nausea 11 (2.8%) (1.1%) Rhinitis (2.3%) (1.4%) Fatigue (2.3%) (1.4%) Dizziness (2%) (1.4%) Epistaxis (2%) (1.4%) Weight Increase (2%) (0%) Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution One Spray Per Nostril Twice Daily Adverse experience information for azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution at dose of one spray per nostril twice daily is derived from two placebo-controlled 2-week clinical studies which included 276 patients 12 years of age and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis. The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions in patients receiving azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution and vehicle placebo was 0% and 0.8%, respectively. Bitter taste was reported in 8.3% of patients compared to none in the placebo group. Somnolence was reported in 0.4% of patients compared to none in the placebo group. total of 176 patients to 11 years of age were exposed to azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution at dose of spray each nostril twice daily in placebo-controlled studies. In these studies, adverse reactions that occurred more frequently in patients treated with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution than with placebo, and that were not represented in the adult adverse reactions table above include rhinitis/cold symptoms (17% vs. 9.5%), cough (11.4% vs. 8.3%), conjunctivitis (5.1% vs. 1.8%), and asthma (4.5% vs. 4.1%). Adverse Reactions <2% in Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution One or Two Sprays Per Nostril Twice Daily The following reactions were observed infrequently (<2% and exceeding placebo incidence) in patients who received azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution dosed at or sprays per nostril twice daily in U.S. clinical trials. Cardiovascular: flushing, hypertension, tachycardia. Dermatological: contact dermatitis, eczema, hair and follicle infection, furunculosis, skin laceration. Digestive: constipation, gastroenteritis, glossitis, ulcerative stomatitis, vomiting, increased SGPT, aphthous stomatitis, diarrhea, toothache. Metabolic and Nutritional: increased appetite. Musculoskeletal: myalgia, temporomandibular dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis. Neurological: hyperkinesia, hypoesthesia, vertigo. Psychological: anxiety, depersonalization, depression, nervousness, sleep disorder, thinking abnormal. Respiratory: bronchospasm, coughing, throat burning, laryngitis, bronchitis, dry throat, nocturnal dyspnea, nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion, pharyngolaryngeal pain, sinusitis, nasal dryness, paranasal sinus hypersecretion, post nasal drip. Special Senses: conjunctivitis, eye abnormality, eye pain, watery eyes, taste loss. Urogenital: albuminuria, amenorrhea, breast pain, hematuria, increased urinary frequency. Whole Body: allergic reaction, back pain, herpes simplex, viral infection, malaise, pain in extremities, abdominal pain, pyrexia. Vasomotor Rhinitis Adverse experience information for azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution is derived from two placebo-controlled clinical studies which included 216 patients 12 years and older with vasomotor rhinitis who received azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution at dose of sprays per nostril twice daily for up to 28 days. The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions in patients receiving azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution and vehicle placebo was 2.8% and 2.9%, respectively. The following adverse reactions were reported with frequencies >= 2% in the azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution treatment group and more frequently than placebo.Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in >=2% Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with Vasomotor Rhinitis [n (%)] Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal SolutionN 216 Vehicle PlaceboN 210 Bitter Taste 42 (19.4%) (2.4%) Headache 17 (7.9%) 16 (7.6%) Dysesthesia 17 (7.9%) (3.3%) Rhinitis 12 (5.6%) (2.4%) Epistaxis (3.2%) (2.4%) Sinusitis (3.2%) (1.9%) Somnolence (3.2%) (1%) Reactions observed infrequently (<2% and exceeding placebo incidence) in patients who received azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (2 sprays/nostril twice daily) in U.S. clinical trials in vasomotor rhinitis were similar to those observed in U.S. clinical trials in seasonal allergic rhinitis. In controlled trials involving nasal and oral azelastine hydrochloride formulations, there were infrequent occurrences of hepatic transaminase elevations.. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience. During the post approval use of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution, the following adverse reactions have been identified. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse reactions reported include: anaphylaxis, application site irritation, atrial fibrillation, chest pain, confusion, dyspnea, facial edema, involuntary muscle contractions, nasal sores, palpitations, paresthesia, parosmia, pruritus, rash, disturbance or loss of sense of smell and/or taste, tolerance, urinary retention, vision abnormal and xerophthalmia.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Two-year carcinogenicity studies in Crl:CD(SD)BR rats and NMRI mice were conducted to assess the carcinogenic potential of azelastine hydrochloride. No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in rats at doses up to 30 mg/kg day (approximately 270 and 240 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on mg/m2 basis). No evidence for tumorigenicity was observed in mice at doses up to 25 mg/kg (approximately 110 and 100 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on mg/m2 basis). Azelastine hydrochloride showed no genotoxic effects in the Ames test, DNA repair test, mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay, mouse micronucleus test, or chromosomal aberration test in rat bone marrow. There were no effects on male or female fertility and reproductive performance in male and female rats at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 270 times the MRHDID in adults on mg/m2 basis). At 68.6 mg/kg (approximately 610 times the MRHDID on mg/m2 basis), the duration of estrous cycles was prolonged and copulatory activity and the number of pregnancies were decreased. The numbers of corpora lutea and implantations were decreased; however, preimplantation loss was not increased.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. Azelastine hydrochloride, phthalazinone derivative, exhibits histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity in isolated tissues, animal models, and humans. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution is administered as racemic mixture with no difference in pharmacologic activity noted between the enantiomers in in vitro studies. The major metabolite, desmethylazelastine, also possesses H1-receptor antagonist activity.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Cardiac Electrophysiology: In placebo-controlled study (95 subjects with allergic rhinitis), there was no evidence of an effect of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (2 sprays per nostril twice daily for 56 days) on cardiac repolarization as represented by the corrected QT interval (QTc) of the electrocardiogram. Following multiple dose oral administration of azelastine mg or mg twice daily, the mean change in QTc was 7.2 msec and 3.6 msec, respectively. Interaction studies investigating the cardiac repolarization effects of concomitantly administered oral azelastine hydrochloride and erythromycin or ketoconazole were conducted. These drugs had no effect on QTc based on analysis of serial electrocardiograms. At dose approximately times the maximum recommended dose, azelastine hydrochloride does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Absorption: After intranasal administration, the systemic bioavailability of azelastine hydrochloride is approximately 40%. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) are achieved in to hours.Azelastine hydrochloride administered intranasally at doses above two sprays per nostril twice daily for 29 days resulted in greater than proportional increases in Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) for azelastine.Distribution: Based on intravenous and oral administration, the steady-state volume of distribution is 14.5 L/kg. In vitro studies with human plasma indicate that the plasma protein binding of azelastine and its metabolite, desmethylazelastine, are approximately 88% and 97%, respectively.Metabolism: Azelastine is oxidatively metabolized to the principal active metabolite, desmethylazelastine, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The specific P450 isoforms responsible for the biotransformation of azelastine have not been identified. After intranasal dosing of azelastine hydrochloride to steady-state, plasma concentrations of desmethylazelastine range from 20 to 50% of azelastine concentrations. Limited data indicate that the metabolite profile is similar when azelastine hydrochloride is administered via the intranasal or oral route.Elimination: Based on intravenous and oral administration, the elimination half-life and plasma clearance are 22 hours and 0.5 L/h/kg, respectively. Approximately 75% of an oral dose of radiolabeled azelastine hydrochloride was excreted in the feces with less than 10% as unchanged azelastine.Special Populations:Hepatic Impairment: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by hepatic impairment.Renal Impairment: Based on oral, single-dose studies, renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) resulted in 70 to 75% higher Cmax and AUC compared to normal subjects. Time to maximum concentration was unchanged.Age: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by age.Gender: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by gender.Race: The effect of race has not been evaluated. Drug-Drug Interactions:Erythromycin: No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with the coadministration of orally administered azelastine (4 mg twice daily) with erythromycin (500 mg three times daily for days). In this study, coadministration of orally administered azelastine with erythromycin resulted in Cmax of 5.36 +- 2.6 ng/mL and AUC of 49.7 +- 24 ngoh/mL for azelastine, whereas, administration of azelastine alone resulted in Cmax of 5.57 +- 2.7 ng/mL and AUC of 48.4 +- 24 ngoh/mL for azelastine.Cimetidine and Ranitidine: In multiple-dose, steady-state drug interaction trial in healthy subjects, cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) increased orally administered mean azelastine (4 mg twice daily) concentrations by approximately 65%. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with coadministration of orally administered azelastine (4 mg twice daily) with ranitidine hydrochloride (150 mg twice daily). Oral coadministration of azelastine with ranitidine resulted in Cmax of 8.89 +-3.28 ng/mL and AUC of 88.22 +- 40.43 ngoh/mL for azelastine, whereas, azelastine when administered alone resulted in Cmax of 7.83 +- 4.06 ng/mL and AUC of 80.09 +- 43.55 ngoh/mL for azelastine.Theophylline: No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with the coadministration of an oral mg dose of azelastine hydrochloride twice daily and theophylline 300 mg or 400 mg twice daily.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES. 14.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Two Sprays Per Nostril Twice Daily The efficacy and safety of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution were evaluated in three placebo-controlled clinical trials of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution including 322 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis who received two sprays per nostril twice day for up to weeks. These trials included 55 pediatric patients ages 12 to 16 years. Assessment of efficacy was based on the 12-hour reflective Total Symptom Complex (TSC) and Major Symptom Complex (MSC). The MSC was calculated as the average of individual symptoms of nose blows, sneezes, runny nose/sniffles, itchy nose, and watery eyes as assessed by patients on 0 to categorical scale. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution two sprays per nostril twice daily demonstrated greater decrease in the MSC than placebo (Table 3).Table 3: Mean Change from Baseline in Reflective MSCMajor Symptom Comlex (MSC): Average of individual symptoms of nose blows, sneezes, runny nose/sniffles, itchy nose, and watery eyes as assessed by patients on 0 to categorical scale. in Adults and Adolescents >=12 Years with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution Two Sprays Per Nostril Twice Daily Versus Placebo TreatmentNBaseline LS Mean (SD)Change from Baseline (SD)TreatmentDifferenceP-valueTrial 1: 12 Hour AM and PM Reflective MSC Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray) 63 11.48 (4.13) -3.05 (3.51) 1.98 <0.01 Placebo Nasal Spray 60 10.84 (4.53) -1.07 (3.52) Trial 2: 12 Hour AM and PM Reflective MSC Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray) 63 12.5 (4.5) -4.10 (3.46) 2.03 <0.01 Placebo Nasal Spray 63 12.18 (4.64) -2.07 (4.01) Trial 3: 12 Hour AM and PM Reflective MSC Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray) 66 12.04 (4.03) -3.31 (3.74) 1.35 0.04 Placebo Nasal Spray 66 11.66 (3.96) -1.96 (3.57) In dose-ranging trials, administration of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution two sprays per nostril twice daily resulted in statistically significant decrease in symptoms compared to saline placebo within hours after initial dosing and persisted over the 12-hour dosing interval. One Spray Per Nostril Twice Daily The efficacy and safety of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution were evaluated in two placebo-controlled clinical trials of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution including 275 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis who received one spray per nostril twice day for up to weeks. Assessment of efficacy was based on the 12--hour reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score [rTNSS]. rTNSS is calculated as the sum of the patients scoring of four individual nasal symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion) as assessed by patients on 0 to categorical scale. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from Baseline to Day 14 in rTNSS. The mean change from baseline in rTNSS was greater in patients receiving azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution one spray per nostril twice daily than those receiving placebo (Table 4).Table 4: Mean Change from Baseline in Reflective TNSSTotal Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS): Average of individual symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion as assessed by patients on 0 to categorical scale. in Adults and Adolescents >=12 years with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Treated with Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution One Spray Per Nostril Twice Daily Versus Placebo TreatmentNBaseline LS Mean (SD)Change from Baseline (SD)TreatmentDifferenceP-valueTrial 4: 12 Hour AM and PM Reflective TNSS Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray) 138 16.34 (4.22) -2.69 (4.79) 1.38 0.01 Placebo Nasal Spray 141 17.21 (4.32) -1.31 (4.29) Trial 5: 12 Hour AM and PM Reflective TNSS Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray) 137 16.62 (4.2) -3.68 (4.16) 1.18 0.02 Placebo Nasal Spray 136 16.84 (4.77) -2.50 (4.01) Two-week studies comparing the efficacy (and safety) of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution two sprays per nostril twice daily versus one spray per nostril twice daily were not conducted.. 14.2 Vasomotor Rhinitis. The efficacy and safety of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution were evaluated in two placebo-controlled clinical trials of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution including 216 patients with vasomotor rhinitis who received two sprays per nostril twice day for up to weeks. These patients had vasomotor rhinitis for at least one year, negative skin tests to indoor and outdoor aeroallergens, negative nasal smears for eosinophils, and negative sinus X-rays. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution demonstrated significantly greater decrease in symptom complex comprised of rhinorrhea, post nasal drip, nasal congestion, and sneezing compared to placebo.

CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS. None.. None. (4).

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Solution (Nasal Spray), 0.1% (137 mcg per spray), is an antihistamine formulated as metered-spray solution for intranasal administration. Azelastine hydrochloride occurs as white, almost odorless, crystalline powder with bitter taste. It has molecular weight of 418.37. It is sparingly soluble in water, methanol, and propylene glycol and slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, and glycerine. It has melting point of about 225C and the pH of saturated solution is between and 5.4. Its chemical name is (+-)-1-(2H)-phthalazinone,4-[(4--chlorophenyl) methyl]-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepin-4-yl)-, monohydrochloride. Its molecular formula is C22H24ClN3OoHCl with the following chemical structure: Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution contains 0.1% azelastine hydrochloride in an aqueous solution at pH 6.8 +- 0.3. It also contains benzalkonium chloride 50% solution (250 mcg/mL), edetate disodium, hypromellose, citric acid anhydrous, dibasic sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, and water for injection. After priming [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)], each metered spray delivers 0.137 mL mean volume containing 137 mcg of azelastine hydrochloride (equivalent to 125 mcg of azelastine base). The bottle can deliver 200 metered sprays.. chemicalstructure.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION. For intranasal use only (2.3)Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Pediatric patients to 11 years of age: spray per nostril twice daily (2.1)Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: or sprays per nostril twice daily (2.1) Vasomotor rhinitis: sprays per nostril twice daily in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older (2.2)Prime azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution before initial use and when it has not been used for or more days (2.3) For intranasal use only (2.3). Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Pediatric patients to 11 years of age: spray per nostril twice daily (2.1)Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: or sprays per nostril twice daily (2.1) Pediatric patients to 11 years of age: spray per nostril twice daily (2.1). Adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older: or sprays per nostril twice daily (2.1). Vasomotor rhinitis: sprays per nostril twice daily in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older (2.2). Prime azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution before initial use and when it has not been used for or more days (2.3) 2.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. The recommended dosage of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in adults and adolescent patients 12 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis is one or two sprays per nostril twice daily. The recommended dosage of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pediatric patients years to 11 years of age is one spray per nostril twice daily.. 2.2 Vasomotor Rhinitis. The recommended dosage of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in adults and adolescent patients 12 years and older with vasomotor rhinitis is two sprays per nostril twice daily.. 2.3 Important Administration Instructions. Administer azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution by the intranasal route only. Priming: Prime azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution before initial use by releasing sprays or until fine mist appears. When azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution has not been used for or more days, reprime with sprays or until fine mist appears. Avoid spraying azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution into the eyes.

DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution is nasal spray solution. Each spray of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution delivers volume of 0.137 mL solution containing 137 mcg of azelastine hydrochloride.. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (nasal spray): 137 mcg of azelastine hydrochloride in each 0.137 mL spray. (3).

DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS. 7.1 Central Nervous System Depressants. Concurrent use of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because reductions in alertness and impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

GERIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical trials of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

HOW SUPPLIED SECTION.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING. Product: 53002-2279NDC: 53002-2279-1 200 SPRAY, METERED in BOTTLE, SPRAY 1 in BOX.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use). Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Somnolence has been reported in some patients taking azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as driving or operating machinery after administration of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Concurrent Use of Alcohol and other Central Nervous System Depressants Instruct patients to avoid concurrent use of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Common Adverse Reactions Inform patients that the treatment with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution may lead to adverse reactions, which include bitter taste, headache, somnolence, dysesthesia, rhinitis, nasal burning, pharyngitis, epistaxis, sinusitis, paroxysmal sneezing, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and weight increase [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Priming Instruct patients to prime the pump before initial use and when azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution has not been used for or more days [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Keep Spray Out of Eyes Instruct patients to avoid spraying azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution into their eyes. Keep Out of Childrens Reach Instruct patients to keep azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution out of the reach of children. If child accidentally ingests azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution, seek medical help or call poison control center immediately.

LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.

8.2 Lactation. Risk SummaryThere are no data on the presence of azelastine hydrochloride in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Breastfed infants should be monitored for signs of milk rejection during azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution use by lactating women (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mothers clinical need for azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Monitoring for Adverse Reactions Breastfed infants of lactating women treated with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution should be monitored for possible signs of milk rejection related to the bitter taste of azelastine hydrochloride.

MECHANISM OF ACTION SECTION.

12.1 Mechanism of Action. Azelastine hydrochloride, phthalazinone derivative, exhibits histamine H1-receptor antagonist activity in isolated tissues, animal models, and humans. Azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution is administered as racemic mixture with no difference in pharmacologic activity noted between the enantiomers in in vitro studies. The major metabolite, desmethylazelastine, also possesses H1-receptor antagonist activity.

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. Two-year carcinogenicity studies in Crl:CD(SD)BR rats and NMRI mice were conducted to assess the carcinogenic potential of azelastine hydrochloride. No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in rats at doses up to 30 mg/kg day (approximately 270 and 240 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on mg/m2 basis). No evidence for tumorigenicity was observed in mice at doses up to 25 mg/kg (approximately 110 and 100 times the MRHDID for adults and children, respectively, on mg/m2 basis). Azelastine hydrochloride showed no genotoxic effects in the Ames test, DNA repair test, mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay, mouse micronucleus test, or chromosomal aberration test in rat bone marrow. There were no effects on male or female fertility and reproductive performance in male and female rats at oral doses up to 30 mg/kg (approximately 270 times the MRHDID in adults on mg/m2 basis). At 68.6 mg/kg (approximately 610 times the MRHDID on mg/m2 basis), the duration of estrous cycles was prolonged and copulatory activity and the number of pregnancies were decreased. The numbers of corpora lutea and implantations were decreased; however, preimplantation loss was not increased.

OVERDOSAGE SECTION.

10 OVERDOSAGE. There have been no reported overdosages with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. Acute overdosage by adults with this dosage form is unlikely to result in clinically significant adverse reactions, other than increased somnolence, since one bottle of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution contains 30 mg of azelastine hydrochloride. Clinical trials in adults with single doses of the oral formulation of azelastine hydrochloride (up to 16 mg) have not resulted in increased incidence of serious adverse reactions. General supportive measures should be employed if overdosage occurs. There is no known antidote to azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. Oral ingestion of antihistamines has the potential to cause serious adverse effects in young children. Accordingly, azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution should be kept out of the reach of children.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

Azelastine 137mcg Nasal Spray (200 Doses). Label Image.

PEDIATRIC USE SECTION.

8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis have been established for patients years and older [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution for the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis have been established for patients 12 years and older [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pediatric patients below the age of years with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years with vasomotor rhinitis have not been established.

PHARMACODYNAMICS SECTION.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Cardiac Electrophysiology: In placebo-controlled study (95 subjects with allergic rhinitis), there was no evidence of an effect of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution (2 sprays per nostril twice daily for 56 days) on cardiac repolarization as represented by the corrected QT interval (QTc) of the electrocardiogram. Following multiple dose oral administration of azelastine mg or mg twice daily, the mean change in QTc was 7.2 msec and 3.6 msec, respectively. Interaction studies investigating the cardiac repolarization effects of concomitantly administered oral azelastine hydrochloride and erythromycin or ketoconazole were conducted. These drugs had no effect on QTc based on analysis of serial electrocardiograms. At dose approximately times the maximum recommended dose, azelastine hydrochloride does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics. Absorption: After intranasal administration, the systemic bioavailability of azelastine hydrochloride is approximately 40%. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) are achieved in to hours.Azelastine hydrochloride administered intranasally at doses above two sprays per nostril twice daily for 29 days resulted in greater than proportional increases in Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) for azelastine.Distribution: Based on intravenous and oral administration, the steady-state volume of distribution is 14.5 L/kg. In vitro studies with human plasma indicate that the plasma protein binding of azelastine and its metabolite, desmethylazelastine, are approximately 88% and 97%, respectively.Metabolism: Azelastine is oxidatively metabolized to the principal active metabolite, desmethylazelastine, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The specific P450 isoforms responsible for the biotransformation of azelastine have not been identified. After intranasal dosing of azelastine hydrochloride to steady-state, plasma concentrations of desmethylazelastine range from 20 to 50% of azelastine concentrations. Limited data indicate that the metabolite profile is similar when azelastine hydrochloride is administered via the intranasal or oral route.Elimination: Based on intravenous and oral administration, the elimination half-life and plasma clearance are 22 hours and 0.5 L/h/kg, respectively. Approximately 75% of an oral dose of radiolabeled azelastine hydrochloride was excreted in the feces with less than 10% as unchanged azelastine.Special Populations:Hepatic Impairment: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by hepatic impairment.Renal Impairment: Based on oral, single-dose studies, renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) resulted in 70 to 75% higher Cmax and AUC compared to normal subjects. Time to maximum concentration was unchanged.Age: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by age.Gender: Following oral administration, pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by gender.Race: The effect of race has not been evaluated. Drug-Drug Interactions:Erythromycin: No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with the coadministration of orally administered azelastine (4 mg twice daily) with erythromycin (500 mg three times daily for days). In this study, coadministration of orally administered azelastine with erythromycin resulted in Cmax of 5.36 +- 2.6 ng/mL and AUC of 49.7 +- 24 ngoh/mL for azelastine, whereas, administration of azelastine alone resulted in Cmax of 5.57 +- 2.7 ng/mL and AUC of 48.4 +- 24 ngoh/mL for azelastine.Cimetidine and Ranitidine: In multiple-dose, steady-state drug interaction trial in healthy subjects, cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) increased orally administered mean azelastine (4 mg twice daily) concentrations by approximately 65%. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with coadministration of orally administered azelastine (4 mg twice daily) with ranitidine hydrochloride (150 mg twice daily). Oral coadministration of azelastine with ranitidine resulted in Cmax of 8.89 +-3.28 ng/mL and AUC of 88.22 +- 40.43 ngoh/mL for azelastine, whereas, azelastine when administered alone resulted in Cmax of 7.83 +- 4.06 ng/mL and AUC of 80.09 +- 43.55 ngoh/mL for azelastine.Theophylline: No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed with the coadministration of an oral mg dose of azelastine hydrochloride twice daily and theophylline 300 mg or 400 mg twice daily.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Risk SummaryLimited data from postmarketing experience over decades of use with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pregnant women have not identified any drug associated risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of fetal harm at oral doses approximately times the clinical daily dose. Oral administration of azelastine hydrochloride to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits, during the period of organogenesis, produced developmental toxicity that included structural abnormalities, decreased embryo-fetal survival, and decreased fetal body weights at doses 270 times and higher than the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) of 1.096 mg. However, the relevance of these findings in animals to pregnant women was considered questionable based upon the high animal to human dose multiple. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in mice dosed during the period of organogenesis, azelastine hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal death, structural abnormalities (cleft palate; short or absent tail; fused, absent or branched ribs), delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight at approximately 300 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 68.6 mg/kg/day), which also caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased maternal body weight. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred in mice at approximately 15 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days to 17, azelastine hydrochloride caused structural abnormalities (oligo-and brachydactylia), delayed ossification, and skeletal variations, in the absence of maternal toxicity, at approximately 270 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day). Azelastine hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal death and decreased fetal weight and severe maternal toxicity at approximately 610 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 68.6 mg/kg/day). Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at approximately 20 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days to 18, azelastine hydrochloride caused abortion, delayed ossification and decreased fetal weight and severe maternal toxicity at approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day). Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at approximately times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day). In prenatal and postnatal development study in pregnant rats dosed from late in the gestation period and through the lactation period from gestation day 17 through lactation day 21, azelastine hydrochloride produced no adverse developmental effects on pups at maternal doses up to approximately 270 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal dose of 30 mg/kg/day).

SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION.

2.1 Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. The recommended dosage of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in adults and adolescent patients 12 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis is one or two sprays per nostril twice daily. The recommended dosage of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pediatric patients years to 11 years of age is one spray per nostril twice daily.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. 8.1 Pregnancy. Risk SummaryLimited data from postmarketing experience over decades of use with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pregnant women have not identified any drug associated risks of miscarriage, birth defects, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of fetal harm at oral doses approximately times the clinical daily dose. Oral administration of azelastine hydrochloride to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits, during the period of organogenesis, produced developmental toxicity that included structural abnormalities, decreased embryo-fetal survival, and decreased fetal body weights at doses 270 times and higher than the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) of 1.096 mg. However, the relevance of these findings in animals to pregnant women was considered questionable based upon the high animal to human dose multiple. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in mice dosed during the period of organogenesis, azelastine hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal death, structural abnormalities (cleft palate; short or absent tail; fused, absent or branched ribs), delayed ossification, and decreased fetal weight at approximately 300 times the maximum recommended human daily intranasal dose (MRHDID) in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 68.6 mg/kg/day), which also caused maternal toxicity as evidenced by decreased maternal body weight. Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred in mice at approximately 15 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days to 17, azelastine hydrochloride caused structural abnormalities (oligo-and brachydactylia), delayed ossification, and skeletal variations, in the absence of maternal toxicity, at approximately 270 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day). Azelastine hydrochloride caused embryo-fetal death and decreased fetal weight and severe maternal toxicity at approximately 610 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 68.6 mg/kg/day). Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at approximately 20 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of mg/kg/day). In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days to 18, azelastine hydrochloride caused abortion, delayed ossification and decreased fetal weight and severe maternal toxicity at approximately 530 times the MRHDID in adults (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day). Neither fetal nor maternal effects occurred at approximately times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal oral dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day). In prenatal and postnatal development study in pregnant rats dosed from late in the gestation period and through the lactation period from gestation day 17 through lactation day 21, azelastine hydrochloride produced no adverse developmental effects on pups at maternal doses up to approximately 270 times the MRHDID (on mg/m2 basis at maternal dose of 30 mg/kg/day).. 8.2 Lactation. Risk SummaryThere are no data on the presence of azelastine hydrochloride in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Breastfed infants should be monitored for signs of milk rejection during azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution use by lactating women (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mothers clinical need for azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Monitoring for Adverse Reactions Breastfed infants of lactating women treated with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution should be monitored for possible signs of milk rejection related to the bitter taste of azelastine hydrochloride.. 8.4 Pediatric Use. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis have been established for patients years and older [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution for the treatment of vasomotor rhinitis have been established for patients 12 years and older [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The safety and effectiveness of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution in pediatric patients below the age of years with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years with vasomotor rhinitis have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical trials of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. Somnolence: Avoid engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery when taking azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. (5.1)Alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Avoid concurrent use with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution because further decreased alertness and impairment of CNS performance may occur. (5.1) Somnolence: Avoid engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery when taking azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. (5.1). Alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Avoid concurrent use with azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution because further decreased alertness and impairment of CNS performance may occur. (5.1) 5.1 Somnolence in Activities Requiring Mental Alertness. In clinical trials, the occurrence of somnolence has been reported in some patients taking azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination such as operating machinery or driving motor vehicle after administration of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution. Concurrent use of azelastine hydrochloride nasal solution with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].