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Azelastin ögondroppar

Optilast

Granskad av Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGPSenast uppdaterad av Michael Stewart, MRPharmSSenast uppdaterad 9 Nov 2022

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Azelastine drops relieve eye itching and redness associated with allergies.

It is usual to use the drops twice each day, although they can be used up to four times a day for severe symptoms.

When first put in, eye drops can cause blurred vision. Wait until this clears before you drive and before you use tools or machines.

Överblick

  • Azelastine eye drops are antihistamine drops used for allergic conjunctivitis.

  • They relieve symptoms like itchy, red, watery, and irritated eyes caused by allergens.

  • Common side effects include stinging, burning, mild irritation, and brief blurred vision.

  • Do not wear soft contact lenses unless advised by your doctor due to irritation.

  • Seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve within 2 days or get worse.

  • The drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened.

  • If you notice a rash, swelling, or increased itching around your eyes, stop use and see a doctor.

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Översikt

Typ av medicin

Antihistamine eye drops

Används för

To relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Även kallad

Optilast®

Tillgänglig som

Eye drops

What are azelastine eye drops used for?

Azelastine eye drops are used to treat the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, including itchy, red, watery, and irritated eyes.

They are antihistamine eye drops that help relieve eye allergy symptoms caused by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and house dust mites.

Azelastine eye drops can be used for both seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever eye symptoms) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, which causes symptoms throughout the year.

How do azelastine eye drops work?

Azelastine eye drops work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction.

When allergens come into contact with the eyes, histamine is released, causing inflammation and allergy symptoms. By preventing histamine from attaching to its receptors, azelastine eye drops help reduce itching, redness, watering, and discomfort.

Side effects of azelastine eye drops

The most common side effects of azelastine eye drops are:

  • Stinging.

  • Burning.

  • Mild irritation.

  • Brief blurred vision.

A full list of side effects can be found in the manufacturers leaflet. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to manage azelastine side effects

Common azelastine side effects

Vad kan jag göra om jag upplever detta?

Mild eye irritation (such as stinging)

This usually disappears within a few minutes of using the eye drops

Occasionally people can be allergic to eye drops, particularly when the eye drops contain a preservative. If you notice a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or increased itching, stop using the drops and contact a doctor for advice.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Who should not use azelastine eye drops?

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Om du bär mjuka kontaktlinser.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Although azelastine is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.)

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine, or to any other eye drops.

How to use azelastine eye drops

  1. Wash your hands before you use the drops.

  2. Remove the cap.

  3. Tilt your head back a little, and then pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket between your eye and the lower eyelid.

  4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

  5. Apply sufficient pressure to the bottle to release one drop into your eye. Only use a second drop if the first drop missed going into your eye.

  6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

  7. Repeat the process in your other eye.

  8. Replace the cap.

Få ut det mesta av din behandling

  • Read the leaflet first. It explains how to use the drops and lists possible side effects.

  • Use twice daily. Usually morning and evening. In severe cases, up to 4 times daily if advised.

  • Expect brief blurred vision. This is normal after use. Wait until your vision clears before driving or using tools.

  • Keep the dropper clean. Do not touch your eye, fingers, or any surface with the bottle tip.

  • Space out other eye drops. Leave 5-10 minutes between different eye drops to avoid washing them out.

  • Use for the recommended duration only. Do not use for more than 6 weeks unless your doctor advises otherwise.

  • See a doctor if no improvement. If symptoms do not improve within 2 days or get worse, seek medical advice.

  • Avoid soft contact lenses. Do not wear them unless your doctor says it is safe, as the drops may irritate lenses.

How to store azelastine eye drops

  • Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

  • Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

  • Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened - do not use the drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This helps to prevent the risk of eye infections.

Vanliga frågor

How quickly do azelastine eye drops work?

Azelastine eye drops usually start to relieve allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes within 10-30 minutes. Full relief may improve with regular use as directed.

Can I use azelastine eye drops every day?

Yes. Azelastine eye drops are designed for regular daily use during allergy flare-ups. Do not exceed the prescribed frequency or use longer than advised by your doctor.

Can I use azelastine eye drops with antihistamine tablets?

Yes. Azelastine eye drops can usually be used alongside oral antihistamines. This combination may provide better relief for moderate to severe allergy symptoms.

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.

Never use more than the prescribed dose.

If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine by accident, contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

Om du ska genomgå en operation eller tandbehandling, informera den som utför behandlingen om vilka mediciner du använder.

Denna medicin är för dig. Ge den aldrig till andra människor även om deras tillstånd verkar vara detsamma som ditt.

Behåll inte föråldrade eller oönskade mediciner. Ta dem till ditt lokala apotek som kommer att ta hand om dem åt dig.

Om du har några frågor om denna medicin, fråga din apotekare.

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Vanliga frågor

Can children use azelastine eye drops?

The article does not specify age restrictions for azelastine eye drops. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if these eye drops are suitable for use in children.

What is the difference between seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis?

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, commonly known as hay fever eye symptoms, occurs during specific times of the year, often due to pollen. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis causes symptoms that persist throughout the entire year, usually triggered by allergens like pet dander or house dust mites.

How do I know if I'm having an allergic reaction to the eye drops themselves?

If you notice a rash around your eyes, or any swelling or increased itching after using the eye drops, these could be signs of an allergic reaction to the drops, especially if they contain a preservative. If this happens, you should stop using the drops and contact a doctor for advice.

Why is it important not to touch the tip of the dropper bottle?

Keeping the dropper tip clean and avoiding contact with your eye, fingers, or any other surface helps to prevent contamination of the eye drops. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or other microorganisms into the bottle, which could lead to eye infections.

What should I do if I accidentally swallow azelastine eye drops?

If you suspect that someone has accidentally swallowed some of this medicine, you should contact the accident and emergency department of your local hospital for advice.

How long can I store unopened azelastine eye drops?

The article states that eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened. It does not specify the shelf life of an unopened bottle, but generally, all medicines should be stored properly and checked for an expiry date.

Dessa frågor och svar har genererats från informationen i denna artikel.

Vidare läsning och referenser

Om författarenVisa fullständig biografi

Författarbild

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Ansvarig för granskning av medicinbroschyrer – Konsult, Apotekare

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael är en apotekare som arbetar i Midlands och South Yorkshire med mer än 20 års erfarenhet av att ge råd om läkemedel och medicinska tillstånd. Han har en stark bakgrund inom vårdutbildning och har producerat och levererat utbildningskurser för apoteksteam och personal inom vårdboenden, inklusive sjuksköterskor. Han har också bidragit till apoteksrådgivande styrelser för hantering av mindre allvarliga tillstånd i samhället.

Om recensentenVisa fullständig biografi

Författarbild

Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

Allmänläkare, Medicinsk Författare

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Dr Colin Tidy är en NHS-läkare, baserad i Oxfordshire.

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