Optivar (for the eyes) is an antihistamine that is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever).

Optivar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 10 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature.

You should not use Optivar if you are allergic to azelastine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Optivar should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Optivar should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Optivar may cause serious side effects. Stop using Optivar and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, itching, or eye redness after using this medication;

• eye pain;

• trouble breathing; or

• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms.

Common side effects of Optivar may include:

• blurred vision (temporary);

• headache; or

• a bitter taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.