what is optivar used for

Precautions

Optivar 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.

What is Optivar made of?

Optivar should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation. Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to. Optivar side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What should I know about Optivar before taking it?

Last reviewed on RxList 2/02/2018. Optivar (azelastine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever). Optivar is available in generic form.

Is there a generic version of Optivar?

Azelastine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes. Optivar (for the eyes) is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies ( hay fever ). Optivar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the difference between azelastine and Optivar?

Is optivar an antihistamine?

Optivar (azelastine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever). Optivar is available in generic form.

Do you need a prescription for optivar?

Uses for Optivar It works by preventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are produced by cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

How long do I use azelastine eye drops?

How long do I use azelastine? Use azelastine twice a day as long as you have allergy-related eye itching. Some people in research studies used azelastine for up to 8 weeks. Long-term use of this medication is not usually a problem.

Does azelastine cure pink eye?

Ophthlamic azelastine is used to relieve the itching of allergic pink eye. Azelastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Can you buy optivar over the counter?

Optivar is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis.

How long can you use AZEP for?

AZEP NASAL SPRAY can be used for up to 6 months for seasonal and non-seasonal allergies.

What does azelastine do for your eyes?

Azelastine ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works by preventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are produced by cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions.

What are the side effects of azelastine?

RareBlood in the urine.blurred vision or other change in vision.chest tightness.eye pain or redness.hives, itching, or skin rash.rapid heartbeat.sores in the mouth or on the lips.

Does azelastine affect blood pressure?

Conclusions Azelastine nasal spray may increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. This information may be particularly useful for patients who have both hypertension and chronic rhinitis.

Who should not use azelastine?

Each spray contains 205.5 micrograms (mcg) of azelastine. Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Is azelastine good for mucus?

Azelastine nasal spray is used to help relieve symptoms (eg, stuffy or runny nose, itching, sneezing) of seasonal (short-term) or perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis (hay fever), vasomotor rhinitis, or other upper respiratory allergies.

Does azelastine help with sinus infection?

Unlike oral antihistamines — which only treat sneezing and itch — antihistamine nasal sprays (like Azelastine) also help with nasal congestion and sinus infection. Side effects of Azelastine include an occasional bitter taste and rare cases of drowsiness.

Can azelastine be bought over the counter?

Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray is approved for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Previously available only by prescription, the FDA has now granted azelastine nonprescription status. Azelastine is the only OTC nasal antihistamine available at this time.

Is azelastine by prescription only?

Azelastine is an antihistamine. It works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Is Astepro available over the counter now?

July 12, 2022 – A little over a year after its FDA approval, Bayer has announced that its prescription-strength nasal spray for indoor and outdoor allergies (brand name Astepro) is now available over the counter nationwide.

What OTC is comparable to azelastine?

The generic name for Astepro is Azelastine. Azelastine comes in 2 different strengths, 0.1% and 0.15%. The 0.15% is the one that is going OTC. Astepro OTC is a nasal antihistamine similar to Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl or Zyrtec, but it is in the nasal topical form, so it does not have to be ingested.

What is Optivar 0.05%?

OPTIVAR ® (azelastine hydrochloride) Ophthalmic Solution, 0.05% is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing azelastine hydrochloride, a relatively selective H 1 -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:

How long does it take for Optivar to work?

In environmental studies, adult and pediatric patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis were treated with OPTIVAR ® for two to eight weeks.

How much azelastine is in Optivar?

Each mL of OPTIVAR ® contains: Active: 0.5 mg azelastine hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.457 mg 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.

Is Optivar a ocular drug?

OPTIVAR ® is for ocular use only and not for injection or oral use.

Can pregnant women take Optivar?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OPTIVAR ® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Is Optivar sterile?

This product is sterile when packaged. Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. OPTIVAR ® should not be used to treat contact lens related irritation. The preservative in OPTIVAR ® , benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses.

What is Optivar 0.05%?

Optivar ® (azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.05% is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing azelastine hydrochloride, a relatively selective H 1 -receptor antagonist for topical administration to the eyes. Azelastine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 418.37.

How long does it take for Optivar to work?

Optivar ® had a rapid (within 3 minutes) onset of effect and a duration of effect of approximately 8 hours for the prevention of itching.

How much azelastine is in Optivar?

Each mL of Optivar ® contains: Active: 0.5 mg azelastine hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.457 mg 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.

How long after Optivar can you insert contacts?

Patients who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red, should be instructed to wait at least ten minutes after instilling Optivar ® before they insert their contact lenses.

Is Optivar contraindicated?

Optivar ® is contraindicated in persons with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Is Optivar an antagonist?

Optivar - Clinical Pharmacology. Azelastine hydrochloride is a relatively selective histamine H 1 antagonist and an inhibitor of the release of histamine and other mediators from cells (e.g. mast cells) involved in the allergic response. Based on in-vitro studies using human cell lines, inhibition of other mediators involved in allergic reactions ...

Can you use Optivar while pregnant?

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Optivar ® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

How to use Optivar Drops

Use this medication in the affected eye (s) as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

Are you currently using Optivar Drops?

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1 What is Optivar?

Optivar is used to relieve the eye itchiness caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Its mechanism of action is preventing the effects of histamine in the body which causes allergic reactions to the body.

2 What to Know Before Using

If you are about to start Optivar, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Optivar or to any other medications.

3 Proper Usage

To use Optivar properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Directions to use eye drops

Wash your hands before using this medication. Look up to the ceiling with both eyes. While tilting your head back, pull your eyelid down with one hand. Hold the bottle in your other hand.

4 Precautions to Take

If you take Optivar, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions. Check with your doctor if your symptoms did not improve within a few days or if they become worse.

5 Potential Side Effects

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Optivar to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

What is azelastine?

Azelastine works in your eyes to block histamine, a chemical that causes itching when you have allergies.

Pharmacist tips for azelastine

Azelastine starts working very quickly. Most people start to feel its effects within about 3 minutes of using it and find it keeps working for about 8 hours.

What are the side effects of azelastine?

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

What are the risks and warnings for azelastine?

Azelastine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

Interactions between azelastine and other medications

Azelastine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.

How much does azelastine cost?

Azelastine is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

What are alternatives to azelastine?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of azelastine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Optivar Description

Optivar - Clinical Pharmacology

Indications and Usage For Optivar

Contraindications

Precautions

• 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 sol...

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Adverse Reactions

How Is Optivar Supplied

Package Label - Principal Display Panel – 6 Ml-Fill