Medicines and Drugs
Find information on thousands of medicines and drugs on common names, uses, how to use, side effects, precautions, storage, drug interactions, overdose symptoms, what to do if you miss a dose and more.
Azelastine HCl ophthalmic
Drug Name Azelastine HCl ophthalmic
Azelastine HCl ophthalmic Drug Category AZELASTINE - OPHTHALMIC
Azelastine HCl ophthalmic Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
AZELASTINE - OPHTHALMIC
(azz-ELL-ust-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Optivar
USES: This medication is used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis).
HOW TO USE: This medication is used in the affected eye(s), usually twice daily; or as directed by your doctor. Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drop. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before inserting contact lenses. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over the eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
SIDE EFFECTS: Eye irritation or stinging, headaches, or bitter taste in the mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies). If you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor about the use of contact lenses when the eyes are red or irritated. Because your vision may be temporarily blurred or decreased after using this medication, use caution driving or performing activities requiring clear vision. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other eye medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store dropper bottle upright at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.