Pronunciation: a-ZEL-as-teen
Generic Name: Azelastine
Brand Name: Optivar
Optivar Drops are used for:
Treating itchy eyes caused by allergies.
Optivar Drops are an antihistamine eye drop. It works by preventing the release of histamine and reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction in the eye.
Do NOT use Optivar Drops if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Optivar Drops
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Optivar Drops:
Some medical conditions may interact with Optivar Drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Optivar Drops. Because little, if any, of Optivar Drops are absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Optivar Drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Optivar Drops:
Use Optivar Drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Optivar Drops are only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.
- Remove contact lenses before you use Optivar Drops.
- To use Optivar Drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
- If you miss a dose of Optivar Drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Optivar Drops.
Important safety information:
- Optivar Drops may cause blurred vision. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Optivar Drops with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Optivar Drops may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
- Do not use Optivar Drops for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor.
- Soft contact lenses may absorb a chemical in Optivar Drops; wait 10 minutes after you use Optivar Drops before you put your contacts back in.
- Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Optivar Drops should not be used to treat redness caused by contact lenses.
- Optivar Drops should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Optivar Drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if Optivar Drops are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Optivar Drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Optivar Drops:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bitter taste in mouth; blurred vision; burning; headache; stinging.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Optivar side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Optivar Drops:
Store Optivar Drops upright in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 and 25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store tightly closed in the original packaging. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Optivar Drops out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Optivar Drops, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Optivar Drops are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Optivar Drops. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Optivar resources
- Optivar Side Effects (in more detail)
- Optivar Dosage
- Optivar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Optivar Drug Interactions
- Optivar Support Group
- 1 Review for Optivar - Add your own review/rating
Compare Optivar with other medications
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic
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