Optivar (Azelastine hydrochloride) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

Read the Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC article »

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Optivar Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to azelastine ophthalmic.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Azelastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether azelastine ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Do not use this medication in a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I use azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not use azelastine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep each single-use bottle in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Each bottle of this medicine is for a single use only. Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there is still some medicine left over. Each bottle must be used within one month after you open the foil pouch.

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