Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dry eyes, eye pain, increased redness/swelling of the eye, vision problems. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
But, while antihistamine eye drops can help reduce your eye allergies, it's important to be aware that the medication in these drops can affect your tear production or cause your tears to evaporate too quickly. This can further dry out your eyes and worsen your condition.
Stinging/redness in the eye, widened pupils, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
1 drop into affected eye every 4 hours up to 72 hours of use. Not for prolonged use. 1 to 2 drops each affected eye up to 4 times a day.
Risks of Overusing Eye Drops
However, overusing these eye drops could cause a rebound effect, where the blood vessels constrict so much and so little oxygen and nutrients reach your eyes that your body overcompensates and dilates the vessels even more. This could worsen and prolong your eye redness and irritation.
Alaway Antihistamine Eye Itch Relief is a standout choice for those with itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies.
Do antihistamines increase blood pressure? The oral antihistamines discussed above aren't known to raise blood pressure. Other forms of antihistamines are also considered safe. This includes azelastine nasal spray (Astepro) and eye drops and olopatadine eye drops (Pataday products).
Fast-acting, long-lasting eye itch relief
Fight the allergens that cause itchy eyes with SYSTANE® ZADITOR® Antihistamine Eye Drops, the original triple-action, prescription-strength formula that works in minutes to deliver up to 12 hours of allergy eye itch relief.
Over the counter medicines such as decongestants and antihistamines can dilate the pupil and lead to dangerously elevated eye pressure. Prescription medications for bladder incontinence, motion sickness, certain psychiatric medications, diet pills and some sulfa derived medications can cause angle closure glaucoma.
Don't use these products for longer than prescribed or when they aren't needed. Overuse of antihistamine eye drops can lead to more problems.
Doctors usually recommend these as the first treatment for eye allergies if you can't get enough relief without drugs. If you have itchy, watery eyes, antihistamine eyedrops may make you feel better. These medicines block histamine in the body.
Since antihistamine drops can decrease tear production, your eye doctor may recommend using preservative-free artificial tears – in conjunction with allergy drops – to keep your eyes lubricating and from drying out.
Burning/stinging/irritation of the eye, headache, stuffy/runny nose, bad taste in your mouth, and increased sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Antihistamines are a group of medications which can be used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions. Antihistamine eye drops are used to treat symptoms of eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), such as red, itchy eyes and watery eyes.
Health experts recommend people avoid added sugars and refined carbohydrates to help prevent glaucoma or vision loss. In addition, coffee may increase intraocular pressure, so it is best to avoid or limit drinking it.
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Once the drop is on the eye, do not blink your eye or move it around to spread the drop. Instead, gently close your eyes just once, place the pad of your most sensitive finger at the inside corner of the eyelid by the nose and press gently.
Yes, certain eye drops can cause heart problem, they have the potential to reduce heartbeat and alter blood pressure. If you inform your doctor of your general health, such a drug will not be prescribed.
Fraunfelder and Scafidi found that concomitant use of phenylephrine eye drops and atropine eye drops can cause blood pressure elevation and induce tachycardia in some patients (Fraunfelder and Scafidi, 1978). Tropicamide is a synthetic muscarinic antagonist with actions similar to those of atropine.
“Steroids are the main medicine that can raise eye pressure for patients with open-angle glaucoma,” Dr. McKinney says. Taking steroid drugs in any form – orally, topically, through an inhaler or IV – can worsen glaucoma for these patients. Steroids applied closest to the eye carry the highest risk.
Warm and cool compresses
People can try applying a compress for immediate relief of itchy eyes. Warm compresses over the eyes may help relieve itching due to allergies.
"Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that's usually helpful," Ogbogu says. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out. Apply a cold compress. "Cold compresses around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling," says Ogbogu.
Allergy Medications for Eyes
Prescription treatments can provide both short- and long-term help. Sterile saline rinses and eye lubricants can soothe irritated eyes and help flush out allergens. Decongestant eyedrops can curb eye redness by constricting blood vessels in the eyes.
So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is available over the counter for use in adults and children 2 years and over. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain.