Optilast

£9.99

Optilast 0.05% eye drops target itchy, red and watery eyes caused by allergies, including hay fever.

✓ Azelastine antihistamine eye drops
✓ 6ml bottle
✓ Online assessment before supply

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Type Of Medicine

Antihistamine eye drops used to treat allergic conjunctivitis and eye symptoms caused by hay fever or other allergies.

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Active Ingredient

Azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the eyes to reduce allergy symptoms.

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Effective Within

Relief may begin within 15 to 30 minutes after application.

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Works By

Blocks the effects of histamine in the eyes, helping to reduce itching, redness, watering and irritation caused by allergic reactions.

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Side Effects

Common side effects may include mild eye irritation, temporary blurred vision, a bitter taste in the mouth or mild eye redness after application. These effects are usually mild and temporary.

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Not Suitable For

Not suitable for individuals with a known allergy to azelastine or any of the ingredients in the drops. Caution may be required if you wear contact lenses or have existing eye conditions.

Optilast eye drops for allergy-related itching

When allergies affect your eyes, Optilast delivers an antihistamine directly to the affected area. Each 6ml bottle contains azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% (0.5mg/ml).

Is it an allergy or an infection?

Optilast treats allergic eye symptoms, not eye infections. Describe any discharge, contact lens use and how long symptoms have lasted in your assessment. Eye pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision need urgent assessment through your GP or NHS 111.

Using your eye drops

Follow your prescription and the patient leaflet. Remove contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them; avoid wearing lenses while your eyes are irritated. Contact your prescriber if symptoms worsen or have not improved after 48 hours. Treatment courses should not exceed six weeks.

Request treatment online

Check the bottle price above and complete your assessment. Our prescriber will review suitability before supply. If nasal symptoms also bother you, explore our hay fever treatment options and ask which combination is appropriate.

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How should I use Optilast?

Optilast 0.05% should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional or according to the instructions in the patient information leaflet. It is usually applied as one drop in each affected eye twice daily, unless advised otherwise.

Wash your hands before use, tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Apply one drop into the eye without touching the dropper tip to the eye or surrounding areas. Blink gently to spread the solution. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

If you have any questions about how to use Optilast or experience any side effects, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional for personalised advice.

What ingredients are in Optilast?

Optilast 0.05% contains the active ingredient azelastine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms affecting the eyes. It also contains inactive ingredients that help preserve and stabilise the eye drop solution. These may include benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, disodium edetate, sorbitol and purified water.

Always check the patient information leaflet supplied with your product for a complete and accurate list of ingredients, particularly if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Warnings and precautions

Optilast 0.05% may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to a healthcare professional before using these eye drops if you have existing eye conditions, recent eye surgery or persistent eye infections. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them unless advised otherwise.

Temporary blurred vision may occur immediately after using Optilast, so take care when driving or operating machinery until your vision clears. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medicines, consult your pharmacist or GP before starting treatment.

What are side effects of Optilast?

Optilast 0.05% is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects. The most common effects include mild eye irritation, burning or stinging after application, temporary blurred vision or a bitter taste in the mouth. These effects are usually mild and settle quickly.

Less commonly, some individuals may experience redness of the eyes, increased tearing or mild swelling of the eyelids. Rarely, serious allergic reactions may occur. If you experience severe eye pain, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.

How do I store Optilast?

Store Optilast 0.05% at room temperature and keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to maintain sterility.

Keep Optilast out of sight and reach of children. Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date shown on the packaging. If you notice any changes in the appearance of the solution or have concerns about storage, speak to your pharmacist for advice.

Optilast can help with seasonal allergic eye symptoms. Follow your prescription and do not use a course for more than six weeks. Contact your prescriber if symptoms worsen or have not improved after 48 hours.

Contact lenses should usually be removed before using Optilast. You should wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Optilast is licensed from age four for seasonal allergic eye symptoms and from age 12 for year-round allergic eye symptoms. Online-service eligibility is assessed separately. Ask a pharmacist or GP which treatment is appropriate for a child.

Optilast is typically used twice daily, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare professional. Always follow the instructions provided with the product.

Optilast is applied directly to the eyes and generally does not cause drowsiness. However, temporary blurred vision may occur immediately after application.

Many people notice relief within 15 to 30 minutes after using the drops. For best results, use them regularly as directed.