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Uses

What is azelastine ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Azelastine ophthalmic is commonly used for itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander.

Azelastine ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does azelastine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Azelastine ophthalmic is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamine from cells involved in an allergic response. By blocking histamine release, azelastine helps reduce allergy symptoms, such as itching.

How is azelastine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Optivar

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% solution (eye drop) 

Other forms of azelastine are available for use in the nose. See Azelastine nasal for more information.

How should I store azelastine ophthalmic?

Azelastine ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of azelastine ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of azelastine ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye burning and stinging
  • Headache
  • Bitter taste

There may be other side effects of azelastine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of azelastine ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of azelastine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Azelastine ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using azelastine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use azelastine ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use azelastine ophthalmic.

  • Azelastine
  • Optivar
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific azelastine ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about azelastine ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use azelastine ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Azelastine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Do not share azelastine ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep azelastine ophthalmic out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Azelastine ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

An ingredient in azelastine ophthalmic may be absorbed by some contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, wait at least ten minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before you put your contact lenses in your eyes. If your eyes are red and you wear contact lenses, talk with your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using azelastine ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if azelastine ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how azelastine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if azelastine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use azelastine ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does azelastine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between azelastine ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between azelastine ophthalmic and alcohol.

Does azelastine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between azelastine ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much azelastine ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much azelastine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of azelastine ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.