Azelastine Ophthalmic (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
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.

How this medication should be used
Azelastine comes as an eyedrop to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to the affected eye(s) twice a day. To help you remember to use azelastine, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use azelastine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:


 * 1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
 * 2) Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
 * 3) Remove the protective cap. Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
 * 4) Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
 * 5) Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
 * 6) Lie down or tilt your head back.
 * 7) Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
 * 8) Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
 * 9) With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
 * 10) Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
 * 11) Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
 * 12) Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
 * 13) Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions
Before using azelastine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azelastine or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using azelastine, call your doctor.
 * you should know that you should not wear contact lenses if your eye(s) is/are red. If your eye is not red and you wear contact lenses, you should know that azelastine solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before applying azelastine and put them back in 10 minutes later.

Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Azelastine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * eye burning or stinging
 * headaches
 * bitter taste
 * eye pain
 * blurred vision
 * excessive tiredness
 * sore throat

Severe Side Effects
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptom is uncommon, but if you experience it, call your doctor immediately:


 * difficulty breathing

Azelastine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Sorage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Astelin® Nasal Spray
 * Optivar®