Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to express terms of use (click here). By continuing to view the drug information, you agree to abide such terms of use.

Optivar Opht Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Generic Name: AZELASTINE DROPS - OPHTHALMIC
Pronounced: (AY-zel-AS-teen)

Optivar Opht Uses

Azelastine is used to treat itching eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis). This medication is an antihistamine. It works by blocking certain natural substances (such as histamines) responsible for allergic symptoms.

Do not use this medication to treat redness and irritation due to wearing contact lenses.

How To Use Optivar Opht

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Remove contact lenses before using this medication because it contains a preservative that can be absorbed by them. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before putting the lenses back in. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.

Use this medication usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.



CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised August 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.