Optivar Side Effects

Generic name: azelastine ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about azelastine ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Optivar.

Applies to azelastine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects of Optivar

Along with its needed effects, azelastine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Optivar) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking azelastine ophthalmic:

Less common

• Cough
• difficulty breathing
• noisy breathing
• shortness of breath
• tightness in chest
• wheezing

Other side effects of Optivar

Some side effects of azelastine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bitter taste in mouth
• headaches
• temporary eye burning or stinging

Less common

• Burning, dry or itching eyes
• blurred vision, temporary
• chills
• diarrhea
• eye discharge or excessive tearing
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hoarseness or other voice changes
• itching skin
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
• runny nose
• shivering
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy nose
• sweating
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• trouble in swallowing
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to azelastine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Burning/stinging (up to 30%)

Common (1% to 10%): Irritation, conjunctivitis, pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Temporary blurring^[Ref]

General

The most common side effect reported was eye irritation such as burning/stinging.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Asthma, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): fatigue^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Rash^[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headaches (15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Bitter taste^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer