Optivar

Blepharitis allergic, Vasomotor Rhinitis, Hay Fever + 6 more
Treatment
2 Active Studies for Optivar

What is Optivar

AzelastineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAzelastine 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.
Astelinis 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 PatientsAzelastine 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 bodyAzelastine 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
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
, 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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Vasomotor Rhinitis
, 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, Intraocular, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Intraocular, Spray - Nasal, Spray, Ophthalmic, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic

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 RiskTaking 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
Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Hay Fever
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
0 Actively Recruiting
Blepharitis allergic
0 Actively Recruiting
Keratoconjunctivitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Allergy to Tree Pollen
0 Actively Recruiting
Administration, Intranasal
0 Actively Recruiting
allergic eye disorders
0 Actively Recruiting
Vasomotor Rhinitis
0 Actively Recruiting

Optivar Reviews: What are patients saying about Optivar?

5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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!
5Patient Review
2/21/2008
Optivar for Allergic Conjunctivitis
The only side effects I experienced were a headache and some elevation in my blood pressure.
4.7Patient 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.
4Patient 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.
4Patient 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!
3Patient 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.
1.7Patient 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