Optivar

Generic Name: azelastine ophthalmic
Brands: Optivar

---

What is the most important information I should know about Optivar?

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Optivar if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Optivar before inserting your contact lenses.

 

What is Optivar?

· Azelastine is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.

· Optivar is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as itching.

· Optivar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not use Optivar?

· Do not use Optivar if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

· Optivar is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Optivar will harm an unborn baby. Do not use Optivar without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk. Do not use Optivar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· Optivar is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

 

How should I use Optivar?

· Use azelastine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Wash your hands before using your eye drops.

 

· To apply the eye drops:     ·Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in your other eye if directed to do so by your doctor.

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Optivar if your eyes are red, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Optivar before inserting your contact lenses.

· Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

· Store Optivar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), call an emergency center for advice.

 

What should I avoid while using Optivar?

· Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

· Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Optivar if your eyes are red, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Optivar before inserting your contact lenses.

· Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Optivar without first talking to your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Optivar?

· Serious side effects are not expected with Optivar.

· Commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, dry eyes, or other eye discomfort may occur. Other side effects include headaches and a bitter taste. Continue to use Optivar and talk to your doctor when it is convenient about any side effects that you experience.

 

What other drugs will affect Optivar?

· Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Optivar without first talking to your doctor.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Optivar. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Optivar written for health professionals that you may read.

Related to Optivar

Panmist-S Side Effects
· Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are...

Foradil Aerolizer Dosage
· Do not use Foradil Aerolizer more often than is prescribed by your doctor. Doing so could...

Naldelate Side Effects
· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. or...

Talwin NX Side Effects
· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. or...

Optimine Dosage
· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking...

Talk about Optivar

Print Diseases and Disorders