AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Azelastine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.05% is a sterile ophthalmic solution containing azelastine hydrochloride, a relatively selective H 1 -receptor antagonist for topical administration to the eyes. Azelastine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 418.37. Azelastine hydrochloride is sparingly soluble in water, methanol and propylene glycol, and slightly soluble in ethanol, octanol, and glycerine. Azelastine hydrochloride is a racemic mixture with a melting point of 225°C. The chemical name for azelastine hydrochloride is (±)-1-(2H)-phthalazinone,4-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-2-(hexahydro-1-methyl-1H-azepin-4-yl)-, monohydrochloride and is represented by the following chemical structure: Each mL of azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution contains: Active: 0.5 mg azelastine hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.457 mg of azelastine base; Preservative: 0.125 mg benzalkonium chloride; Inactives: disodium edetate dihydrate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol solution and water for injection. It has a pH of approximately 5.0 to 6.5 and an osmolality of approximately 265 to 375 mOsmol/kg.

Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is indicated for the treatment of itching of the eye associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

The recommended dose is one drop instilled into each affected eye twice a day.

Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in persons with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of its components.

In controlled multiple-dose studies where patients were treated for up to 56 days, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were transient eye burning/stinging (approximately 30%), headaches (approximately 15%) and bitter taste (approximately 10%). The occurrence of these events was generally mild. The following events were reported in 1 to 10% of patients: asthma, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, eye pain, fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, pharyngitis, pruritus, rhinitis and temporary blurring. Some of these events were similar to the underlying disease being studied.