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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
Azelastine (a-ZEL-as-teen)is used to treat irritation and itching of the eye that are caused by allergic conjunctivitis. It works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced in certain cells in your eyes and which causes the allergic reaction.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For azelastine, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to azelastine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.
Pregnancy--Azelastine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that azelastine causes harmful affects on the fetus. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether azelastine passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of azelastine in children under the age of 3 years with use in other age groups.
Older adults--This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are using any other prescription eye medicine or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Do not wear contact lenses if
your eyes are red
. If your eyes are not red, contact lenses should
be removed before you use this medicine. Also, you should wait at least 10
minutes after using this medicine before putting the contact lenses back in. To use:
Proper Use of This Medicine
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye) . Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.
Dosing--The dose of azelastine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of azelastine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Cough; difficulty breathing; noisy breathing; shortness of breath; tightness in chest; wheezing
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Bitter taste in mouth; headaches; temporary eye burning or stinging
Less common
Burning, dry or itching eyes; blurred vision, temporary; chills; diarrhea; eye discharge or excessive tearing; fever; general feeling of discomfort or illness; hoarseness or other voice changes; itching skin; joint pain; loss of appetite; loss of appetite; muscle aches and pains; nausea; redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid; runny nose; shivering; sneezing; sore throat; stuffy nose; sweating; tender, swollen glands in neck; trouble in swallowing; trouble sleeping; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 10/27/2000
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