What is Optivar?
Optivar is a medication used to treat allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Health Benefits
Optivar can be used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies, such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of hives.
Side Effects
Optivar is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are burning or stinging of the eyes and temporary blurred vision. These side effects usually go away after a few minutes.
Rarely, more serious side effects may occur. These include eye pain, changes in vision, and severe allergic reactions. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Optivar and seek medical attention immediately.
Dosages
Optivar is available in a drop form and as a ointment. It is typically used one to four times daily, depending on the condition being treated.
To apply Optivar drops:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye.
3. Tilt your head back and pull down on your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper tip close to the eye without touching it and squeeze out a drop.
5. Release the lower eyelid and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out.
6. Repeat these steps for your other eye if prescribed.
To apply Optivar ointment:
1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Tilt your head back and pull down on your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
3. Apply a small amount of ointment to the inside corner of your eye. Do not touch the tip of the tube to your eye or anything else.
4. Close your eye and apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. This will prevent the medication from draining out.
5. Repeat these steps for your other eye if prescribed.
Interactions
Optivar may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. Optivar should not be used in place of other medications prescribed by your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Optivar works by blocking the action of histamine. Histamine is a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, Optivar relieves the symptoms of allergies.
Additional Information
Optivar is available with a prescription from your doctor. It is not available over-the-counter (OTC). Store Optivar at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Optivar without first talking to your doctor.
Pharmacokinetics
Optivar is rapidly absorbed following ocular administration. The mean peak concentration (Cmax) of Optivar was reached within 30 minutes following instillation of a 5 mL drop in the conjunctival sac of both eyes. The elimination half-life (t1/2) of Optivar was about 2 hours. Steady state was reached within 3 days with once daily dosing.
Alternatives to Optivar
Other medications used to treat allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine. Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation.
Some common antihistamines include:
· cetirizine (Zyrtec)
· fexofenadine (Allegra)
· loratadine (Claritin)
Some common decongestants include:
· pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
· phenylephrine ( Sudafed PE)
Some common corticosteroids include:
· Fluticasone (Flonase)
· Mometasone (Nasonex)
· Triamcinolone (Kenalog)
It is important to speak with your doctor before taking any new medications. You should also tell your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies or medical conditions you have.
