Optivar (Azelastine)

What is Generic Optivar?

With the development of allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis in addition to the use of drugs with systemic effects on the body are used also drugs of local action. One of them can be considered Optivar which characterized by high efficiency.

It has anti-allergic, membrane-stabilizing and antihistamine effects. Getting into the body it blocks the development of allergic reaction H1 histamine receptors. Azelastine which is an active ingredient of the drug reduces the permeability of the capillary walls. It also prevents the release or slow down synthesis of biologically active mediators of inflammation in allergy - histamine, leukotriene, serotonin.

In what kind of disease treatment Optivar is helpful?

The use of this eye drops reduces the pain and itching. Under the influence of the drug stops tearing, reduced congestion and eyelid edema.

The therapeutic effect manifests 10 minutes after using of drops and continues for 12 hours.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Optivar?

Doctors do not prescribe Optivar in the following cases:

• Throughout pregnancy;
• During the period of breastfeeding the child;
• People with hypersensitivity to the drug;
• Children up to four years.

Optivar is especially shouldn’t be used in the first trimester of pregnancy, breast-feeding while using this drug is temporarily discontinued.

How should I take Optivar?

Use one drop in the morning and evening. But do not change the prescribed dosage by your own choice without your physician’s permission.

Treatment is continued until the stopping of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

Dosage information

Optivar is presented in the form of eye drops.

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Generally adults and children over 4 years of age use 1 drop in each eye in the morning and evening, if necessary, the frequency is increased to 4 times each day. In the case of foreseen actions of allergen drug is used as a prophylactic measure before contact with the allergen.

Nonseasonal allergic conjunctivitis. The dose for adults and children over 12 years is 1 drop in each eye and can be increased to 4 times each day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 6 weeks.

Usually the dose is determined by the physician but if you buy drugs online then the dosage can be found in the instructions that you can find in the package. If these drops use your child then it is recommended to consult a pediatrician.

What may interact with Optivar?

Azelastine enhances the sedative effect of alcoholic beverages and drugs with depressant mechanism of action to the central nervous system.

Cimetidine is used simultaneously with Azelastine increases the concentration of the main active ingredient in the blood. Ketoconazole does not allow determining concentration of Azelastine.

What should I watch for while taking Optivar?

Do not use it during pregnancy or during lactation.

Infectious diseases of the eye are not treated by Optivar. Also Benzalkonium may cause eye irritation. It can have an ability to influence the speed of reaction when driving or operating other machines. But even in a short-term irritation of the eyes it is recommended to refrain from car driving or working with other mechanisms.

Azelastine easily absorbed during its contact with the mucous membranes and in blood creates proportional to the accepted dose concentration of the main active ingredient.

The drug is excreted mainly in the form of metabolites by the kidneys and glands secretion, including the mammary gland during lactation.

During using of the drops patients should change contact lenses on the glasses. You should also take into account that the therapy can increase sleepiness and tiredness.

Azelastine in the form of drops can be included into a complex therapy of infectious diseases of eyes.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Optivar?

If you are using Optivar then you should know about the possibility of developing of allergic reactions, the most common of them include:

Allergic symptoms are itching, hives, rashes.

Respiratory disorders - sneezing, sore throat development, dry cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, bronchospasm is possible.

Violations of the nervous system are expressed by headache, fatigue, occasional dizziness.

Disturbances in the digestive tract - bitter taste in the mouth, dryness, changes in taste, nausea, stomach pain.

Less common adverse reactions to Optivar can be manifested as tachycardia, myalgia and gain weight.

If you are using the drops also may develop conjunctival irritation in the eye, dry eyes, tearing, pain or a sensation of a some object in the eye, swelling.

Even more rarely develop keratitis, chemosis, corneal erosion, haemorrhage, disturbance of visual function, blepharitis.

Overdose is rarely fixed; in its development patients mostly complain of increased drowsiness. Treatment depends on the symptoms of overdose.

Where can I keep Optivar?

Keep in original packaging at a temperature not higher than 25 ° C in a dry place, out of the reach of children! After opening it should be used within 6 months.