Optilast Eye Drops

What are Optilast Eye Drops?

Optilast eye drops contain an antihistamine (Azelastine) which helps to soothe itchy, watery and red eyes caused by hay fever or an allergic reaction.

How does Optilast work?

Optilast eye drops contain Azelastine which is an antihistamine. It works by preventing histamine receptors from being activated in the eyes which stops the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced naturally in the body as a response to an allergen, such as pollen. Histamine causes itchy or watery eyes. Optilast stops this from happening to soothe and prevent your allergy symptoms.

How long do Optilast eye drops take to work?

Optilast eye drops start to work after 30 minutes to help relieve allergy symptoms.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Optilast eye drops is azelastine hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Optilast are benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, hypromellose, liquid sorbitol (crystallising) (E420i) and sodium hydroxide (E524).

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

While the incidence of a severe allergic reaction to Optilast eye drops are unknown, It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to them. If you do notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (lip/eye/mouth swelling, chest tightness, trouble breathing and dizziness) please contact emergency medical services as soon as possible.

How to use Optilast eye drops?

You can use Optilast eye drops to relieve hay fever or allergy symptoms as they occur or to prevent them before you come into contact with an allergen. To apply Optilast eye drops, tilt your head back, gently pull your lower eyelid open with your finger and squeeze one drop into each eye two to four times a day. Each bottle expires four weeks after you open it.

Optilast eye drops dosage

Use one Optilast eye drop at a time in each eye. Optilast eye drops are usually administered twice a day, with a maximum of four times a day.

Optilast eye drops side effects

Mild irritation is a possible side effect of Optilast eye drops including temporary: 

• Burning 
• Itching 
• Watering

Uncommon side effects include: 

• A bitter taste in the mouth 
• Allergic reaction

Contraindications

You should not use Optilast eye drops if you are allergic to azelastine hydrochloride. Do not wear soft contact lenses while using Optilast eye drops.

Drug interactions

Optilast eye drops may interact with other medicines you take. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice before using Optilast eye drops.

Can I use Optilast eye drops with other eye drops?

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you can use Optilast eye drops alongside your other eye drops.

Will Optilast eye drops affect my vision?

Optilast eye drops may cause your vision to blur at first. This is a temporary side effect that doesn't last long. You shouldn't drive until your vision goes back to normal.

Can I drive whilst using Optilast?

You may experience blurred vision temporarily from using Optilast eye drops. If this happens, do not drive until your vision goes back to normal and you know how Optilast eye drops affect you.

Alternatives to Optilast eye drops

There are several types of treatments for hayfever and allergies. These include steroid nasal sprays like Rhinolast, Dymista, Avamys and Beconase Aqueous and antihistamine tablets such as Fexofenadine (Telfast), Loratadine and Cetirizine. 

Optilast eye drops vs Rapitil eye drops

Optilast eye drops contain an antihistamine that prevents histamine release from mast cells. In contrast, Rapitil helps to stabilise mast cells and reduce their production of histamine thereby preventing an allergic response. Comparatively, Optilast eye drops work faster than Rapitil eye drops.

Can I use Optilast eye drops with other hay fever treatments?

Optalist eye drops can be used alongside other hay fever treatments such as nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that using multiple hay fever treatments is safe and suitable for you.

Tips to avoid hay fever

While hay fever is not completely avoidable during pollen season, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen. These include staying indoors on days when the pollen count is high, keeping windows closed, showering and changing clothes after being outside, not walking over freshly cut grass and wearing wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Can I use Optilast eye drops for other allergies?

Optilast eye drops can be used for any type of allergy which affects your eyes. This includes hay fever, dust, pet hair and some food allergies. Optilast eye drops may not work in the same way for everyone, so check with your doctor or pharmacist for a suitable alternative if you need to.