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Optivar

  • Generic Name: azelastine hydrochloride
  • Brand Name: Optivar

side effects drug center optivar (azelastine hydrochloride) drug - patient side effects and images

Optivar Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Optivar

Generic Name: azelastine ophthalmic

What is azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Azelastine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is an antihistamine that is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever).

Azelastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe burning, stinging, itching, or eye redness after using this medication;
  • eye pain;
  • trouble breathing; or
  • fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms.

Common side effects may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

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.

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 medicine if you are allergic to azelastine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Azelastine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

How should I use azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 10 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

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 and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature.

Optivar Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Optivar)?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose (Optivar)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

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.

What other drugs will affect azelastine ophthalmic (Optivar)?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information (Optivar)?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about azelastine ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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