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.

• 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. 
  
  
• 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
     
• 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. 
  
  
• Drug or food interactions: Using corticosteroid eye drops at the same time as antiallergy eye drops may increase the risk of infection. 
  
  
• 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.