Optivar

Blepharitis allergic, Rhinitis, Vasomotor, Hay Fever + 6 more

Treatment

1 Active Study for Optivar

What is Optivar

Azelastine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Azelastine is a medicine used to treat allergies and related conditions. It comes in the form of a nasal spray and an eye drop. Azelastine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. It was approved by the FDA in 1996 and is also available in combination with fluticasone propionate as a nasal spray called Dymista™, which is used to treat seasonal allergies in patients over 6 years old.

Astelin

is the brand name

Optivar Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Astelin

Azelastine

1996

56

Effectiveness

How Optivar Affects Patients

Azelastine stops the effects of histamines, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. When taken intranasally (in the nose), it takes about 15 minutes to take effect, while ophthalmic solutions (eye drops) start working in 3 minutes. Its peak effectiveness occurs 4-6 hours after the first dose, and its effects last for 12 hours.

How Optivar works in the body

Azelastine is a medication used to treat allergies. It works by blocking histamine H1-receptors, which are found on nerve endings, smooth muscle cells, and glandular cells. When these receptors are blocked, the typical symptoms of allergies such as itching, sneezing, and congestion are reduced. Azelastine also has other anti-allergy properties such as stabilizing mast cells to prevent the release of inflammatory substances, and reducing the production and release of eosinophils. Additionally, it can reduce the concentrations of substance P and bradykinin, which are responsible for nasal itching and sne

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dose of Optivar is contingent upon the determined condition, such as Hay Fever, Disorder of eye and Keratoconjunctivitis. The measure of dosage is contingent on the technique of delivery (e.g. Nasal or Solution/drops) specified in the table hereunder.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Keratoconjunctivitis

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Administration, Intranasal

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

allergic eye disorders

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Rhinitis, Vasomotor

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Blepharitis allergic

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Rhinitis, Allergic

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Allergy to Tree Pollen

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Hay Fever

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC)

, 0.137 mg, 0.5 mg/mL, 0.2055 mg, 1.37 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 0.137 mg/pump actuation

, Nasal, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Nasal, Spray, Spray - Nasal, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Ophthalmic, Intraocular, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Solution / drops

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Optivar.

Common Optivar Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Azelastine.

Axitinib

Major

The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Azelastine.

Brigatinib

Major

The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Azelastine.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Azelastine.

Copanlisib

Major

The metabolism of Copanlisib can be decreased when combined with Azelastine.

Optivar Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Taking too much of an azelastine nasal spray or eye drop is unlikely to lead to serious harm, though it may cause drowsiness. To keep children safe, these products should be kept away from them. In studies, the toxic dose of azelastine in rats was found to be 580mg/kg.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Optivar Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Optivar?

Nine clinical trials are currently being conducted to assess the potential of Optivar to treat Administration, Intranasal Disorders, Ocular Dysfunctions and Allergic Blepharitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Rhinitis, Vasomotor

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Administration, Intranasal

0 Actively Recruiting

Keratoconjunctivitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Hay Fever

0 Actively Recruiting

Allergy to Tree Pollen

0 Actively Recruiting

Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC)

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2

Rhinitis, Allergic

0 Actively Recruiting

allergic eye disorders

0 Actively Recruiting

Blepharitis allergic

0 Actively Recruiting

Optivar Reviews: What are patients saying about Optivar?

5

Patient Review

7/29/2010

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

After trying every over-the-counter eye drop to relieve my allergies (which were driving me insane), I tried this medication and the severe itching and draining finally stopped. The only downside is that I developed an awful taste in the back of my throat.

5

Patient Review

11/7/2010

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

I've had allergies for years, and I'm very sensitive to medication side effects. This eye drop has helped me a lot for the past 5 years.

5

Patient Review

9/25/2013

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Patanol is the best eye drop I've tried, and trust me, I've tried everything over-the-counter. The stinging sensation when you first put it in is definitely worth it for the relief that follows.

5

Patient Review

1/19/2009

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Optivar quickly and effectively alleviated my allergy symptoms. Not only did it help my eyes feel better, but the red skin around and in the corners of my eyes also disappeared.

5

Patient Review

2/18/2010

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

I tried this product for free from my doctor, and I would definitely recommend it to others!

5

Patient Review

2/21/2008

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

The only side effects I experienced were a headache and some elevation in my blood pressure.

4.7

Patient Review

10/30/2009

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

This is, by far, the best eye relief I've found. There was an initial sting when using it, but that's been the only negative side effect.

4

Patient Review

4/14/2008

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

This treatment worked well for me, but I did have to use it in conjunction with another drop. It alleviated the pain from the burning sensation in my eyes, but left them feeling dry. So, after about ten minutes, I applied an over-the-counter drop and that provided relief for hours.

4

Patient Review

5/6/2009

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

I've tried a gamut of options for my eye allergies, to no avail-- until Optivar. I was initially dubious, given how it burns upon application; however, it does seem to be helping more than any other medication I've tried. The downside is the nasty taste it leaves in your throat... but if that's the price for allergy relief, I'll take it!

3

Patient Review

12/7/2007

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

I experienced some success with this treatment, though there was a small bump that developed underneath my left eye which lasted for a day or two. It felt like there was something in my eye.

1.7

Patient Review

10/26/2008

Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis

I found Optivar to be the least effective of all the prescription eye drops I tried for my allergies. Additionally, it left an unpleasant taste in my mouth.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about optivar

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the generic name for optivar?

"Azelastine drops are used to treat itching, redness, and watering of the eyes caused by allergies.

Azelastine drops are used to relieve itchiness, redness, and watering of the eyes that are caused by allergies."

Answered by AI

What is optivar eye drops used for?

"Azelastine is a medication used to relieve itching eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines."

Answered by AI

Do you need a prescription for optivar?

"Optivar is a prescription drug given to people suffering from Allergic Conjunctivitis. It may be used by itself or in addition to other drugs. It falls into the category of drugs known as Antihistamines, Ophthalmic. The effects of this drug have not been studied in children under the age of three."

Answered by AI

Can you get optivar over the counter?

"Azelastine requires a prescription and cannot be bought over-the-counter."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Optivar

Image of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Otolaryngology Clinics in Los Angeles, United States.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Pain During Otolaryngologic Procedures

18+
All Sexes
Los Angeles, CA

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of lavender aromatherapy in adult patients undergoing awake otolaryngologic procedures in the outpatient clinic setting. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does lavender aromatherapy help reduce anxiety and/or pain, and improve patient comfort during awake otolaryngologic procedures in the clinic? * Do patients subjectively find aromatherapy relaxing and/or beneficial during the procedure? Researchers will compare lavender aromatherapy to placebo (an odorless liquid) to see if lavender aromatherapy helps improve patient comfort during their awake procedure Participants will: * Have their scheduled procedure performed with lavender aromatherapy or placebo during the duration of the procedure * Take a short, less than 1 minute questionnaire both before and after the procedure, describing their levels of anxiety, pain and subjective impressions of the aromatherapy

Recruiting
Paid Trial

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Otolaryngology Clinics

Ankona Ghosh, MD