Optivar (Azelastine hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Optivar

Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

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Optivar
(azelastine hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Solution, 0.05%

DRUG DESCRIPTION

OPTIVAR® (azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.05% is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing azelastine hydrochloride, a relatively selective H₁ -receptor antagonist for topical administration to the eyes. Azelastine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 418.37. Azelastine hydrochloride is sparingly soluble in water, methanol and propylene glycol, and slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, and glycerine. Azelastine hydrochloride is a racemic mixture with a melting point of 225°C. The chemical name for azelastine hydrochloride is (±)-1-(2H)-phthalazinone,4-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepin-4-yl)-, monohydrochloride and is represented by the following chemical structure:

Optivar ® (azelastine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Empirical chemical structure: C₂₂H₂₄ClN₃O•HCl

Each mL of OPTIVAR® contains: Active: 0.5 mg azelastine hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.457mg of azelastine base; Preservative: 0.125 mg benzalkonium chloride; Inactives: disodium edetate dihydrate, hypromellose, sorbitol solution, sodium hydroxide and water for injection. It has a pH of approximately 5.0 to 6.5 and an osmolarity of approximately 271 to 312 mOsmol/L.

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Optivar »

What are the precautions when taking azelastine hydrochloride (Optivar)?

Before using azelastine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This drug may cause temporary blurred or unstable vision after you apply it. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

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...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 8/5/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.