Azelastine eye drops

Giede-Tuch C, Westhoff M, Zarth A. Azelastine eye-drops in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or rhinoconjunctivitis. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Allergy 1998 53(9) 857-62. 

Azelastine eye drops (0.025 and 0.05%) can produce slight reactions at the site of application and a bitter or unpleasant taste (10). 

AESTHESIOMETRY- AZELASTINE EYE DROPS REDUCE CORNEAL SENSITIVITY IN RABBITS, BUT NOT IN DOGS AND HUMANS... 

The active principle of Azelastine Eye Drops is Azelastine.HCl. Azelastine is a phthalazinone derivative which was synthetized and developed by ASTA Medica AG as an antiasthmatic and antiallergic compound. It is marketed as tablets and/or nasal spray in several countries as U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Japan, and others. A NDA is submitted in the United States. 

Therefore, in the present studies measurement of the corneal sensitivity was performed with the Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer in experimental animals as well as in humans. The aim was to detect anesthetizing properties of Azelastine Eye Drop solutions and to evaluate the relevance for the treatment in man. 

When eye drop formulations of the antiallergic Azelastine were tested in both albino and pigmented rabbits a clear hypoesthetic or even anesthetic effect was noted at concentrations of 0.05% or higher. The reduction of the comeal sensitivity was a concentration-dependent, acute, transient effect. However, when Azelastine eye drops were administered repeatedly no changes in the general comeal sensitivity were revealed. Even after a 4-week treatment period with 4 daily applications in pigmented rabbits no relevant differences in the pressure base values were noted. 

Azelastine 1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily Ocular stinging, headache, bitter taste... 

Duarte C, Baehre M, Gharakhanian S, Leynadier F French Azelastine Study Group. Treatment of severe seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis by a combination of azelastine nasal spray and eye drops a double-bhnd, double-placebo study. J Investig Allergol Chn Immunol 2001 11(1) 34-40. 

The possible interactions of alcohol with other antihistamines not cited here do not seem to have been formally studied, but increased drowsiness and increased driving risks would be expected with any that cause some sedation. Patients should be warned about drinking alcohol when taking sedative antihistamines. The risks with antihistamines given as eye drops or nasal spray (e.g. azelastine, epinastine) are probably minimal, but this needs coiifirmation. 

No specific interaction studies have been performed with eye-drop formulations of the antihistamines azelastine, emedastine, epinastine, or olopatadine. However, interactions are not anticipated since very little drug is expected to reach the systemic circulation. 

Optilast Eye Drops (Azelastine). Viatris Pharmaceuticals. UK Summary of product characteristics, September 2006. 

Azelastine ophthalmic solutions were tested in 3 albino rabbits (White Himalayan) each per concentration. The concentrations used were 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.5%. A single application of one drop into the conjunctival sac of one eye per animal was given. 

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