azelastine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical H1 antihistamine and antiallergic treatment
Usual role
Treating allergic conjunctivitis and preventing seasonal allergic eye symptoms
How it is used
Applied directly to the affected eye or eyes
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before replacing them
What is azelastine hydrochloride used for?
This eye-drop product is licensed for:
Treatment and prevention of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 4 years and over.
Treatment of perennial allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children aged 12 years and over.
How does azelastine hydrochloride work?
It blocks histamine at H1 receptors in the eye and reduces other inflammatory mediators involved in allergic reactions, helping relieve itching, redness and watering.
azelastine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.5 mg/mL
How to take azelastine hydrochloride
Use only in the eyes. Follow the product instructions or prescriber's directions.
Wash and dry your hands.
Tilt your head back and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
Apply the drop without touching the eye, eyelid or eyelashes with the bottle tip.
Close the eye and gently press the inner corner beside the nose to limit drainage.
Wipe away excess liquid and replace the cap securely.
Remove soft contact lenses beforehand and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Do not drive or use machinery until any temporary blurred vision has cleared.
azelastine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mild, short-lived eye irritation, including burning, itching or watering.
- Bitter taste in the mouth, which is uncommon.
Get urgent medical advice
- Very rare allergic reactions such as rash or itching; stop using the drops and seek advice.
- Call 999 for swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Seek prompt assessment for persistent or severe eye pain, impaired vision or symptoms mainly affecting one eye.
azelastine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is insufficient, although application to the eye produces minimal systemic exposure. Use should follow an individual assessment by a prescriber or pharmacist.
azelastine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product's SmPC does not recommend use while breastfeeding because azelastine enters milk in small quantities. Discuss suitable treatment with a prescriber or pharmacist.
azelastine hydrochloride interactions
No specific interaction studies have been performed for these eye drops, and systemic exposure is very low. Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other treatments, including eye preparations.
Common questions about azelastine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is azelastine hydrochloride an antihistamine?
Yes. It is a selective H1 antihistamine with local anti-inflammatory effects in the eye.
Can it treat an eye infection?
No. Pain, impaired vision or symptoms mainly in one eye may indicate infection or another eye condition and should be assessed.
Can children use these eye drops?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.