• Optilast Eye Drops treat and prevent the symptoms of allergies including hay fever
• The drops are usually used twice daily, but can be used up to four times daily
• Optilast Eye Drops contain the active ingredient azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine
• When first used, the drops can cause blurred vision – wait until any blurriness clears before driving or operating machinery or tools
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Histamine is released by the body when it detects an allergen such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. In the eyes, this can cause itching, soreness, or redness.

Optilast Eye Drops contain the active ingredient azelastine hydrochloride. This is an antihistamine medication. Antihistamines help to minimise the allergic response to allergens by blocking the pathways that cause histamine to be released. This in turn helps to treat the symptoms of an allergy, helping to ensure your eyes feel less irritated.

Optilast Eye Drops are used topically in each eye. One drop should be dispensed into each eye with each dose.

If you have hay fever, the drops should be used every day when the pollen count is high to prevent and treat any symptoms.

If you are using the eye drops to treat a different allergy, you can take them to treat an allergic response, or to prevent a likely allergic reaction. For example, if you have an allergy to animals, you can use the drops before you are likely to be exposed to animal dander.

For hay fever, it is recommended that adults and children aged 4 or older use one drop in each eye twice daily. This can be increased to four times daily if required.

For other allergies, it is recommended that adults and children aged 12 or older use one drop in each eye twice daily when required. This can be increased to four times daily if needed.

If symptoms have not improved within 48 hours, you should speak to your doctor. In some cases, the drops may be required for up to 6 weeks.

Like all medications, Optilast Eye Drops can have some side effects. The most common side effect is mild irritation to the eye which quickly resolves. Some people may notice a bitter taste after using the eye drops, but this is likely to settle spontaneously.

Allergic reactions including rashes and itching are very rare. 

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Optilast Eye Drops may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Optilast Eye Drops
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Your prescriber can then advise whether Optilast Eye Drops is a suitable medication for you.

Because Optilast Eye Drops may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Optilast Eye Drops will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Optilast Eye Drops will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Optilast Eye Drops will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.

Can I buy Optilast Eye Drops online?

You can safely buy Optilast Eye Drops online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Optilast Eye Drops is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Optilast Eye Drops?

Yes, in order to purchase Optilast Eye Drops you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.