What  is azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

Azelastine is an antihistamine. It blocks  the effects of the chemical histamine in your body. 

Azelastine ophthalmic is used to treat itchy eyes caused  by allergies (hay fever). 

Azelastine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed  in this medication guide. 

What are the possible side effects of azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

Get emergency medical  help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of  your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 

Stop using azelastine ophthalmic  and call your doctor if  you have a serious side effect such as: 

• severe burning, stinging, itching,  or redness in  your eyes;
• eye pain; 
• trouble breathing; or 
• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms. 

Less serious side effects may include: 

• mild burning or stinging 
• mild itching, irritation or discomfort; 
• runny nose; 
• blurred vision (temporary); 
• headache; or 
• a bitter taste  in your mouth.

This  is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

What is  the most important information I should know about azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine ophthalmic. 

Do not allow  the dropper tip to touch any surface, including  the eyes or hands. If  the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. 

Do not use azelastine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in. 

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Azelastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation. 

Stop using azelastine ophthalmic and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as eye pain, trouble breathing, severe burning, stinging, itching,  or redness in  your eyes. 

Each bottle of this medicine is for a single use only. Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there is still some medicine left over. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine ophthalmic. 

Do not wear contact lenses while  your eyes are red or irritated. Azelastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation. 

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether azelastine ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell  your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. 

Do not use this medication in a child younger than 3 years old. 

How should I use azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow  the directions on your prescription label. 

Do not use azelastine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative  that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before putting  your contact lenses in.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops. 

To apply the eye drops: 

• Tilt  your head back slightly and  pull down your  lower eyelid  to create a small pocket. Hold  the dropper above  the eye with  the dropper tip down. Look up  and away from  the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your  eye.
• Gently press your finger to  the inside corner  of the eye (near  your nose) for about 1 minute  to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop  in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop. 
• Do not allow  the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes  or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated  it could cause an infection in  your eye, which can lead to vision loss  or serious damage to the eye. 

Store  the drops  at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep each single-use bottle  in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. 

Each bottle of this medicine is for a single use only.  Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there  is still some medicine left over. Each bottle must be used within one month after you open  the foil pouch. 

What happens if  I miss a dose (Optivar)? 

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for  your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.  Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. 

What happens if I overdose (Optivar)? 

An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. 

What should I avoid while using azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic unless your doctor has told you to. 

What other drugs will affect azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)? 

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on azelastine ophthalmic used in your eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. 

Where can I get more information? 

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azelastine ophthalmic. 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 12, 2009)