Optivar: An Effective Antihistamine Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye disorder that causes itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. In order to ease the symptoms, many people turn to Optivar - a prescription antihistamine eye drop that works by blocking histamine, a chemical produced during an allergic reaction. In this article, we'll dive deeper into Optivar, including its uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options. Uses: Optivar (Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC). It is also effective in treating itchy and red eyes caused by other allergic reactions. Dosage: Patients should wash their hands before using Optivar. To apply, tilt your head back slightly, and then pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. Hold your fingers over the eye drop bottle and squeeze one drop into the pocket. Repeat in the other eye. Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or put anything, including eye drops, in your eye while you have an infection. The recommended dosage for patients 3 years of age and older is one drop in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Optivar ophthalmic solution should not be used to treat contact lens-related irritation. The lens should be removed before the drops are applied and can be reinserted 10 minutes afterward. Demographic: Optivar is recommended for adults and children aged three years and older. There is limited information on the use of Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in patients under the age of three, but a doctor may prescribe it if appropriate. Side Effects: As with any medication, Optivar can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported for Optivar are a bitter taste in the mouth, blurred vision, headache, and eye irritation. These side effects usually last a few seconds or minutes and go away without any need for treatment. However, more serious side effects can occur. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, signs of allergic reaction (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing), severe eye pain, or extreme sensitivity to light. Interactions: The use of Optivar with other medications has not been studied in humans, but since Azelastine hydrochloride is primarily metabolized by the liver, drugs that inhibit or induce the enzymes responsible for its metabolism could affect its efficacy and toxicity. Some drugs that may interact with Optivar include Cimetidine, Erythromycin, Propranolol, and Ketoconazole. Generic Options: A generic version of Optivar called Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is also available. Both products contain the same active ingredient and work the same way in the body. The FDA has approved several manufacturers to produce the generic version of Optivar. Conclusion: Optivar is a safe and effective antihistamine treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. It is recommended for adults and children over the age of three. Optivar's dosage and administration are easy to follow. There are minimal side effects, but it is essential to follow the instructions carefully. Always tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before using Optivar to avoid potential drug interactions. The generic version of Optivar is a cost-effective alternative to the brand name product.