Azelastine (Ophthalmic)

Brand Names : Optivar

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red . If your eyes are not red, contact lenses should be removed before you use this medicine. Also, you should wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting the contact lenses back in.

To use:

• The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye) . Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.

Dosing - The dose of azelastine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of azelastine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
  • For eye allergy:
    • Adults and children 3 years of age and older - Use one drop in the affected eye twice a day.
    • Children younger than 3 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep bottle in an upright position.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Store the medicine at room temperature.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.