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Drug Details

OPTILAST

• Drug Class Description
  Antihistamines.
• Generic Name
  Azelastine hydrochloride
• Presentation
  Eye drops, solution. Clear, colourless solution
• Description
  Azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% (0.5 mg/ml). Each drop contains 0.015 mg azelastine hydrochloride.
• Indications
  Treatment and prevention of the symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 4 years and older. Treatment of the symptoms of non-seasonal (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children 12 years and older.
• Adult Dosage
  

  Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

  The usual dosage in adults and children 4 years and older is one drop in each eye twice daily that can be increased, if necessary to four times daily. If allergen exposure is anticipated Optilast should be administered prophylactically, prior to the exposure.

  Non-seasonal (perennial) allergic conjunctivitis:

  The usual dosage in adults and children 12 years and older is one drop in each eye twice daily that can be increased, if necessary to four times daily. As safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in clinical trials for a period of up to 6 weeks, the duration of any course should be limited to a maximum of 6 weeks.

• Child Dosage
  Under 4 years, not recommended. Over 4 years, as above.
• Contra Indications
  

  Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

• Special Precautions
  

  As with other ophthalmic solutions, Optilast is not recommended for use whilst wearing contact lenses.

  Optilast is not intended for treatment of eye infections.

• Interactions
  

  No specific interaction studies with Optilast have been performed.

  Interaction studies at high oral doses have been performed however they bear no relevance to Optilast, as systemic levels, after administration of the eye drops, are in the picogram range.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Occasionally, a mild, transient irritation in the eye after application of Optilast is experienced. Less frequently reported is a bitter taste. In very rare cases allergic reactions may occur.

  Local irritation, bitter taste.