Azelastine ophthalmic

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

• Azelastine ophthalmic is available under various brand names: Optivar

Common side effects of Azelastine ophthalmic include:

• blurred vision (temporary);
• headache; or
• a bitter taste in the mouth.

Serious side effects of Azelastine ophthalmic include:

• hives. 
• difficult breathing. 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe burning, stinging, itching, or eye redness after using this medication.
• eye pain.
• trouble breathing; or
• fever, chills, sore throat, and flu symptoms.

Rare side effects of Azelastine ophthalmic include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

 Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• 0.05%

Allergic conjunctivitis: 

Adult  and pediatric dosage

• Children above 3 years and Adolescents: 
  • Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Azelastine ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Azelastine ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Azelastine ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Azelastine ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Azelastine
• Contact lens-related irritation

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Azelastine ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Azelastine ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
• Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Azelastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation.
• Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant

Lactation

• Excretion in milk is unknown; use it with caution. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.