Azelastine eye drops

About azelastine eye drops

Exposure to irritants such as plant pollens, pet fur or pollution can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as red, itchy and watery eyes, often referred to as hayfever.
Azelastine eye drops relieve the eye symptoms of allergies and hayfever by blocking the action of histamine in the body.

Before using azelastine eye drops

Before using azelastine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
• Azelastine drops are not recommended for children under four years old

How to use azelastine eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use azelastine in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap of the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or fingers
9. Wash your hands
10. Azelastine drops are usually used twice a day. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest using them up to four times daily. These drops should be used for a maximum period of six weeks.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use azelastine drops as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
• Do not swallow azelastine eye drops. If you or someone else has swallowed azelastine eye drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container or bottle with you if possible.
• These eye drops are for you. Never give them to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• You should not wear contact lenses while you are using azelastine eye drops.
• When first instilled, azelastine eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.

Can azelastine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common problems that people experience when using azelastine eye drops are shown below:

If any of these effects continue or become severe or if you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store azelastine eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines