From the Guidelines
Ophthalmic azelastine (Optivar) is typically dosed as 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily for allergic conjunctivitis, with a recommended dosing interval of approximately 8-12 hours apart for optimal therapeutic effect. This dosing is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which recommends azelastine hydrochloride to be used 2–4 times daily 1. The medication works by blocking histamine receptors in the eye, reducing symptoms like itching, redness, and tearing associated with allergic eye conditions.
Key Considerations
- The medication begins working within minutes of application and can provide relief for up to 12 hours.
- Patients should wash their hands before and after application, avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination, and wait at least 5-10 minutes between applying different eye medications if using multiple products.
- Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before applying azelastine and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.
- Common side effects may include temporary eye burning or stinging, headache, and bitter taste.
- The medication is not recommended for children under 3 years of age, and treatment duration typically continues throughout the allergy season or exposure period as directed by a healthcare provider.
Important Safety Information
- Significant risk of serious ocular adverse effects from requirement for prolonged ocular topical corticosteroid therapy (> 8 weeks) 1.
- Significant loss of quality of life for the patient caused by inadequately controlled DROSD, for example as measured by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or Children’s DLQI, or Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) 1.
Administration and Usage
- Azelastine hydrochloride can be used in patients over 4 years old, with a dosing frequency of 2–4 times daily 1.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosing and administration guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
From the Research
Dosing for Ophthalmic Azelastine
- The dosing for ophthalmic Azelastine is typically twice daily 2, 3, 4, 5
- The concentration of Azelastine in eye drops is usually 0.05% 3, 4, 6, 5
- Studies have shown that Azelastine eye drops are effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis with an onset of action within 3 minutes and a duration of effect of at least 8 to 10 hours 6
- Azelastine has been compared to other dual-acting eyedrops, such as levocabastine and olopatadine, and has been found to be slightly less efficacious but still effective in providing symptom relief 2
- The most common adverse effects of Azelastine eye drops are transient application site reactions and taste perversion 3, 4, 5
Administration and Efficacy
- Azelastine eye drops should be administered twice daily, with one drop in each eye 2, 3, 4, 5
- The efficacy of Azelastine eye drops has been demonstrated in several studies, with significant improvements in itching, conjunctival redness, and other symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4, 6, 5
- Azelastine has been shown to be effective in treating both seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4, 5