What is this medicine?

AZELASTINE (a ZEL as teen) is an antihistamine. It is used in the eye to treat itching of eyes caused by hay fever or other allergies.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to azelastine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops (usually 1 drop) into the pouch. Close the eye gently. Do not blink. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. If you use other eye medicines, they should be used at least 10 minutes before or after this medicine. Eye ointments should be applied last.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 2 or 3 days.

Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.

Contact lenses may be inserted 10 minutes after putting the medicine in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. You should not use this medicine to treat irritation that is caused by contact lenses.