Azelastine Hydrochloride Solution 0.5%, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: azelastine hydrochloride solution 0.5%, Ophthalmic; Optivar

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eye drops, is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip gently press on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a clean tissue. Put the cap on tightly and store the medicine away from heat and bright light. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

If you wear contact lenses:

• Wait at least 10 minutes after applying the drops before inserting your contact lenses
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
• Do not use this medicine to treat contact lens related irritation.

This medicine is for use in the eyes only. Do not take it by mouth.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause drowsiness or blurred vision for a short time. Do not drive or do other things that require you to see well until you know how you react to this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased pain, redness, or discharge in eyes; wheezing or shortness of breath.

Other: Burning and stinging in the eyes, headache, bitter taste in the mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other eye drops for 20 to 30 minutes before or after you use this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.