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General Medication Fact Sheet for Optivar Eye Drops
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Optivar Eye Drops |
| Generic Name | Azelastine Hydrochloride |
| Purpose | Relief of itching of the eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis |
| Mechanism of Action | Histamine H1 receptor antagonist, inhibiting the release of histamine and other mediators from cells involved in allergic reactions |
| Dosage Forms | Ophthalmic solution (eye drops) |
| Available Strengths | 0.05% |
| Dosage Frequency | Twice daily, one drop in each eye |
| Common Side Effects | Eye burning/stinging, blurred vision, bitter taste, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe allergic reactions (rare) |
| Drug Interactions | Caution with other antihistamines or sedatives due to additive effects |
| Important Notes | Remove contact lenses before use; wait 10 minutes before reinserting. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface to avoid contamination. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Use as soon as you remember; if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. |
| Alternatives | Ketotifen (Zaditor), Olopatadine (Pataday), Bepotastine (Bepreve), Epinastine (Elestat) |
Optivar Eye Drops Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ketotifen (Zaditor) | Histamine H1 receptor antagonist and mast cell stabilizer | Available over-the-counter for temporary relief of itchy eyes due to allergies. |
| Olopatadine (Pataday) | Histamine H1 receptor antagonist and mast cell stabilizer | Available in different strengths for once or twice daily dosing. |
| Bepotastine (Bepreve) | Histamine H1 receptor antagonist | Prescription eye drop for allergic conjunctivitis. |
| Epinastine (Elestat) | Histamine H1 receptor antagonist | Prescription eye drop for allergic conjunctivitis. |
Optivar Eye Drops Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Eye burning or stinging | Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) |
| Blurred vision | Worsening eye pain, redness, or vision changes |
Optivar Eye Drops Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic Conjunctivitis | One drop in each eye | One drop in each eye twice daily | Remove contact lenses before use; wait 10 minutes before reinserting. |
Optivar Eye Drops Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $40 – $60 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $150 – $200 |
| From Canada | $50 |
