Allergies Health Center
Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications
Antiallergy eye drops
Antihistamine eye drops, such as azelastine (Optivar), ketotifen
(Zaditor), or olopatadine (Patanol), are used to relieve symptoms like
itchy or watery eyes. Other eye drops containing anti-inflammatory agents, such
as ketorolac (Acular), or corticosteroid eye drops, such as loteprednol (Alrex,
Lotemax) may also decrease swelling and irritation. Nonprescription eye
drops that are used for allergies and hay fever are also available. These eye
drops contain decongestants (phenylephrine, naphazoline, or tetrahydrozoline)
and/or antihistamines (pheniramine or antazoline). Some examples include Clear
Eyes ACR, Naphcon-A, Visine Allergy Relief, Opcon-A.
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How antiallergy eye drops
work: These drugs decrease inflammation or inhibit histamine release. The
result is a decrease in symptoms involving the eye, such as itching, tearing,
or swelling.
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Who should not use these
medications: The following individuals should not use antiallergy eye
drops:
- Those with allergy to the medication or other components of the eye
drops
- Those with eye infections
- Those with allergy to the medication or other components of the eye
drops
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Use: Tilt the head back and
use the index finger to pull down the lower eyelid to make a pocket. Use the
other hand to hold the eye drop bottle. Gently squeeze the prescribed number of
drops into the eye pocket.
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Drug or food interactions:
Using corticosteroid eye drops at the same time as antiallergy eye drops may
increase the risk of infection.
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Side effects:
- Antiallergy eye drops may cause temporary stinging or burning when
administered. If irritation persists, contact the doctor.
- Soft-contact lens wearers should wait at least 10 minutes after using eye
drops to insert contact lens.
- Use care to prevent contamination of dropper tip or eye drop solution.
- Corticosteroid eye drops may increase pressure in the eye; therefore, people with cataracts or glaucoma must use them with caution.
- Antiallergy eye drops may cause temporary stinging or burning when
administered. If irritation persists, contact the doctor.
WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth
Important Information about VERAMYST™ (fluticasone furoate)
Side effects include nosebleed or nasal sores. Nasal fungal infection, glaucoma, or cataracts may occur. Have regular eye exams. Do not spray in eyes.
Available by prescription only. For best results use VERAMYST once daily. Maximum relief may take several days. Results may vary.
Please read full Product Information about VERAMYST
Please read Important Patient Information about VERAMYST
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.




