Do not use azelastine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
Azelastine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether azelastine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use azelastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether azelastine passes into breast milk. Do not use azelastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Azelastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
Use azelastine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in your other eye if directed to do so by your doctor.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before inserting your contact lenses.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store azelastine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
Serious side effects are not expected with azelastine ophthalmic.
Commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, dry eyes, or other eye discomfort may occur. Other side effects include headaches and a bitter taste. Continue to use azelastine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor when it is convenient about any side effects that you experience.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before inserting your contact lenses.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using azelastine ophthalmic before inserting your contact lenses.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with azelastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with azelastine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), call an emergency center for advice.