Optilast
Hay Fever & Allergies
Optilast
Hay Fever & Allergies
Medication features
Optilast eye drops are designed to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and perennial allergic conjunctivitis. This medicine belongs to the antihistamine family of medicines called antiallergics. Optilast contains the active ingredient Azelastine Hydrochloride. It works by preventing histamine being released in the body and as a result controls the allergic response. This medicine not only works to treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, but it can work as a preventive measure to control allergic conjunctivitis from developing in the first place.
- Easy to use eye drops to treat hay fever symptoms
- Treats itchy eyes and other symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
- Fast acting treatment to reduce inflammation
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Optilast is a prescription only eye drop that contains the antihistamine Azelastine Hydrochloride. It's used in the treatment of runny or itchy eyes caused by hay fever, as well as a preventative measure to control conjunctivitis from happening in the first place.
You can buy optilast eye drops online, here at Pharmacy Online, following a short online consultation with our online doctor service.
FAQ
What are Optilast eye drops?
Optilast eye drops contains the active ingredient Azelastine Hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of medicines called antiallergics (antihistamines). Azelastine Hydrochloride has been shown to reduce inflammation in the eyes caused by allergic reaction to both hay fever (seasonal allergic conjunctivitis), and common household allergens such as house dust mites or animal hair (perennial allergic conjunctivitis).
How do I use Optilast eye drops?
Wash your hands thoroughly before use. Place one drop in each eye, twice a day.
Optilast should not be used for more than six weeks continuously.
Who can use Optilast eye drops?
Optilast eye drops are suitable for use in adults and children over the age of four years old to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Optilast eye drops are suitable for use in adults and children over the age of 12 years old to treat perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
DO NOT USE this medicine if you're allergic to Azelastine Hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
Consult a health professional before using this medicine if you have:
- contact lenses
- you aren't sure if your eye irritation is caused by allergies
- you have impaired vision
- your eye hurts
- you don't have any allergic symptoms in your nose - you could have an infection rather than an allergy
- your eye disorders don't clear up or worsen after 48 hours using the treatment
Can I use Optilast if I wear soft contact lenses?
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Optilast eye drops. After using the drops, wait at least 15 minutes before you reinsert your contact lenses.
How long do I use these eye drops?
Use Optilast eye drops twice a day or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to use allergy Optilast eye drops every day?
Yes. These allergy eye drops can be used twice a day, everyday. They can be used during the regular hay fever season to reduce allergy symptoms, and outside of hay fever season to combat perennial allergic conjunctivitis.
How to administer Optilast eye drops
Only apply Optilast eye drops to the eyes.
The usual dose is one drop in each eye each morning and night.
If your symptoms are severe, the doctor can increase the dose, up to four times daily. You should begin to experience relief of symptoms within 15-30 minutes.
To administer the eye drops:
- Wash your hands
- Gently wipe eyes to remove excess moisture
- Unscrew the lid
- Gently pull your lower eyelid down
- Squeeze one drop in each eye inside the middle of your lower eyelid
- Take care not to let the nozzle touch your eye
- Release your lower eyelid and gently press the inner corner of your eye and blink several times to disperse the medicine across your eye
- Dab away excess medicine
- Repeat this on the other eye
Side Effects
Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Optilast eye drops. However, if you do, these can include:
- Slight irritation in the eyes e.g. burning, itching, watery eyes, as well as stinging in the eyes or blurred vision. This should go away a few moments after using the drops.
- A bitter taste in your mouth.
If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to a member of our team. If you experience an allergic reaction to this medicine, e.g. rash and itching, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over the counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.