Optivar Ophthalmic Solution

Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) may be described as a sterile, ophthalmic, antihistamine solution. This medication usually starts to work within 3 minutes of placing the drops in the eye and its effects usually last for approximately 8 hours. But, you must consult your health care professional pertaining to the above information on Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride).

Furthermore, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) may also be described as a white crystalline powder, which is sparingly soluble in water, methanol and propylene glycol. This medication may also be described as being marginally soluble in ethanol, octanol and glycerin.

Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) is used to help effectively treat itching eyes caused by seasonal allergies, such as allergic conjunctivitis and hay fever.

Furthermore, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) is used to effectively block certain natural substances, such as histamines, which are responsible for the allergies you get.

To apply Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drops wash your hands first to avoid contamination and do not touch the tip of the dropper. Be sure that you do not let the dropper touch your eye or any other surface either. However, if you are wearing contact lenses, remove them prior to using the Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drops. Thereafter, consult your health care professional as to exactly when you should replace your contact lenses post application of this medication. To put in Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drops correctly, tilt your head back, look upwards and pull down your lower eyelid to make a pouch. Then, hold the dropper directly above your eye, place one drop of this medication into the pouch and finally look downward, gently closing your eye for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Remember to place one finger on the tear gland of that particular eye gently applying pressure; this prevents the Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drop from draining out. You must try not to blink or rub your eye.Then repeat the procedure for the other eye if directed by your health care professional or if your prescribed dosage is for more than 1 drop. Replace the cap of the dropper after each use, making sure that you refrain from rinsing the dropper. However, if you are using any other eye medication, other than the Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drops such as other drops or ointments, wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes before using them. It is better to use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye more quickly and take effect faster. You must also remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after you use the Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) drops.

Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) you do not understand. Be sure to consult your health care professional pertaining to the use of this medication in children less than 3 year of age. You must also be sure to use Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) exactly as directed and refrain from using a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether using this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. You must also be certain that you do not suddenly discontinue Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) without prior confirmation from your health care professional.

While on an ongoing course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional. You must also be aware that when initially applied, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) may mildly sting or burn your eyes.

Sometimes, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience influenza – like symptoms, mild headaches, swelling of the face, tongue or lips, fatigue, a bitter taste in the mouth and skin rashes.

Furthermore, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) may cause the patient to experience an itching sensation, dizziness, pharyngitis, pruritus, rhinitis and temporary blurring of one’s vision.

If you are on an ongoing course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) interacts with various medications, such as benzalkonium chloride.

In case of an overdose of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) if swallowed may be harmful to your system.

Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else accidentally use or intentionally share your prescribed dosage of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Speak with your health care professional about varied methods to minimize and avoid irritants that trigger allergies, by using cold compressions and soothing eye drops.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery or you conceive whilst on a course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk or not.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not put or apply a double dose of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) is also used to effectively treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as rhino rhea, sneezing and nasal pruritus. Furthermore, Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) is also used to effectively treat symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhino rhea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip (nasal inhalation). Lastly, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. Be aware and discard this medication if it changes color, becomes cloudy or develops particles. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional, or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before using Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from any other allergies. While on an ongoing course of this medication, you must also be wary of wearing any contact lenses that have not been approved by your health care professional.

Furthermore, while on an ongoing course of Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride), you must also make it a point to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to certain foods, dyes or preservatives. You must also let your health care professional know if you consume caffeine, smoke or use illegal drugs.

Lastly, while using Optivar (Azelastine Hydrochloride) if your eyes turn red, remove your contact lenses for a while and thereafter speak with your health care professional. However, you must be careful not use this medication to treat redness and irritation due to wearing contact lenses.