Optivar
® (
azelastine ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eye drop used for the treatment of eye
allergies. In particular, this medication is approved for treating itchy eyes caused by allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis).
Who Makes This Medication?
Optivar is manufactured by Patheon UK, Ltd. (6 mL size), or Catalent Pharma Solutions (0.2 mL size) and is marketed and distributed by Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Optivar is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). Because allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body, Optivar can help relieve or prevent
allergy symptoms.
In addition to blocking histamine receptors, Optivar also seems to decrease the release of histamine from the cells in the body and may also inhibit other substances (such as leukotrienes), which are produced by the body in response to an allergen.
In clinical studies, Optivar was shown to prevent and relieve itching of the eyes due to allergies.
In these studies, a dose of this medication was shown to start working quickly (within three minutes) and last for about eight hours.
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is usually used in each eye twice a day.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- Optivar comes in single-use containers or in a multi-use bottle. Discard the single-use container immediately after use (do not save any remaining solution for later).
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the medication, make sure to wait 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this product. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Optivar can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. Some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Optivar include, but are not limited to:
- Temporary eye burning or stinging
- Headaches
- Bitter taste.
(Click Optivar Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Optivar?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear what exactly to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Optivar Be Stored?
Optivar 6 mL bottles should be stored upright between 36° F and 77° F. Optivar 0.2 mL single-use containers should be stored between 68° F and 77° F. These single-use containers come in a foil pouch with four doses. Once the foil pouch is opened, the contents must be used or discarded within 30 days.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Optivar as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
Optivar comes in one strength (0.05%) and in two different forms:
- Optivar 6 mL multi-use bottles
- Optivar 0.2 mL single-use containers.
