Azelastine + Lubricant Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are a prescription medicine used to treat allergic conjunctivitis when it is accompanied by dryness.

Drug class	Combination
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.05% + lubricant
Common Indian brands	Regional formulations
Prescription status	Prescription

What Azelastine + Lubricant is used for

Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are a combination medicine specifically prescribed to relieve symptoms of:

Allergic Conjunctivitis with Dryness: This condition occurs when your eyes react to allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), causing redness, itching, watering, and swelling. When dryness is also present, it can make these symptoms even more uncomfortable. This medicine helps to address both the allergic reaction and the associated dryness.

It is important to use this medicine only for the conditions for which it has been prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

How it works

Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops work through a dual-action approach to provide relief from allergic conjunctivitis with dryness:

Antihistamine/Mast Cell Stabiliser (Azelastine): Azelastine is the anti-allergy component. When your eyes come into contact with an allergen, your body releases natural substances like histamine. Histamine is responsible for many of the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies, such as itching, redness, and watering. Azelastine works in two main ways:
- As an antihistamine, it blocks the action of histamine, thereby reducing the allergic response.
- As a mast cell stabiliser, it helps to prevent mast cells (specialised immune cells) from releasing histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in the first place. This helps to stop the allergic reaction before it fully develops.
Lubricant: The lubricant component in the eye drops helps to soothe and moisturise the surface of your eye. In allergic conjunctivitis, especially when dryness is also present, the eyes can feel gritty, irritated, and uncomfortable. The lubricant helps to provide a protective layer, reduce friction, and wash away irritants, thereby improving comfort and alleviating the symptoms of dryness.

By combining these two actions, Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops effectively tackle both the allergic reaction and the associated dry eye symptoms, offering comprehensive relief.

How it’s used

Always use Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Do not alter the dose or stop using the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Typical Dosing: The usual recommendation is to instil 1 drop twice a day into the affected eye(s).
Before Use: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the eye drop bottle.
Instilling the Drops:
1. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
2. Hold the dropper bottle upside down, directly over your eye.
3. Look upwards and gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket you created.
4. Close your eye gently for a minute or two, without squeezing or blinking excessively. This helps the medicine to be absorbed properly.
5. If you need to instil drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
After Use: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to prevent contamination. Replace the cap tightly immediately after use. Wash your hands again after instilling the drops.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, instil it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Duration of Use: Continue using the drops for the duration recommended by your ophthalmologist, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping early may lead to a recurrence of symptoms.

If you are using other eye medicines, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of eye drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Regional formulations

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

While Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription eye medicine. It must be used only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
Bitter Taste: Some individuals may experience a brief, mild bitter taste in their mouth after instilling the eye drops. This is a known and usually harmless effect of the medicine, occurring because the eye drops can drain into the tear ducts and then into the back of the throat.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will advise you on whether you should remove them before instilling the drops and how long you should wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s advisable to remove contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction (such as severe itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing) after using the drops, stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention.
Driving and Operating Machinery: After instilling eye drops, your vision may be temporarily blurred. Avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Storage: Store the eye drops as instructed on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye or fingers.
Consult Your Doctor: Always inform your ophthalmologist about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and other eye drops, to avoid potential interactions.

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis and Dryness

Our eyes are constantly exposed to the environment, making them susceptible to various irritants and allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis, often simply called ‘eye allergy’, is a common condition where the transparent membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids (the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction. This happens when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. Common allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores.

When you come into contact with these allergens, your body releases chemicals like histamine, which cause the typical symptoms of eye allergies: intense itching, redness, excessive watering, a burning sensation, and sometimes swelling of the eyelids. These symptoms can be quite bothersome and affect your daily activities. In some cases, allergic conjunctivitis can also be accompanied by dryness, which can exacerbate the discomfort, making your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, and even more irritated. This combination of allergy and dryness requires a targeted approach to provide effective relief.

It’s important to identify and, if possible, avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Simple measures like keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers, washing bedding frequently, and avoiding rubbing your eyes can help manage your condition.

Correct Eye Drop Instillation and Hygiene

Using eye drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness and to prevent complications. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper instillation and hygiene:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eyes.
Check the Bottle: Ensure the bottle is not expired and the tip is clean. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Prepare for Instillation: Gently tilt your head back or lie down. With the index finger of one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
Administer the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning it directly over your eye. Avoid touching your eye or eyelid with the tip of the dropper. Look upwards and gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid.
Close Your Eye: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for about 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid squeezing your eyes shut or blinking excessively, as this can push the medicine out of your eye. You can also gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute to help prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and causing a bitter taste.
Clean Up: If any excess liquid runs down your face, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
Replace Cap: Immediately replace the cap on the bottle tightly. Do not rinse the dropper tip.
Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.

If you are prescribed more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between each type of drop to ensure each medicine has enough time to be absorbed properly and to prevent one drop from washing out the other.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and proper storage of your eye medicines are vital for your eye health. Always store your eye drops according to the instructions on the packaging, usually at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Once opened, eye drop bottles have a limited shelf life (typically 28 days, but check the specific instructions for your medicine). Mark the date of opening on the bottle and discard it after the recommended period, even if there is still medicine left, to prevent contamination and ensure effectiveness.

Beyond medication, general eye care practices can significantly contribute to your comfort. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation and potentially introduce infection. If you wear contact lenses, ensure you follow strict hygiene protocols and discuss their use with your ophthalmologist while you are undergoing treatment for allergic conjunctivitis. Take regular breaks if you spend long hours in front of screens to reduce eye strain.

While Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are effective for allergic conjunctivitis with dryness, it’s important to know when to consult your ophthalmologist. You should seek medical attention if:

Your symptoms do not improve or worsen after a few days of using the drops as prescribed.
You experience severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or extreme sensitivity to light.
You notice any new or unusual symptoms, such as pus or discharge from your eye, or severe swelling.
You suspect an allergic reaction to the eye drops themselves (e.g., increased redness, itching, swelling after instillation).

Remember, this information is for general education. Always follow the specific advice and instructions provided by your qualified ophthalmologist regarding your eye condition and its treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What is Azelastine + Lubricant eye drop used for?

Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis when it is accompanied by dryness. This medicine helps relieve symptoms like itching, redness, watering, and the discomfort caused by dryness in the eyes due to allergies.

How does Azelastine + Lubricant work?

This medicine works in two ways: Azelastine acts as an antihistamine and mast cell stabiliser, blocking the chemicals that cause allergic reactions and preventing their release. The lubricant component helps to soothe and moisturise the eye surface, reducing irritation and discomfort from dryness.

What are the common brands of Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops available in India?

Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are available as regional formulations in India. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe a suitable brand for you.

How should I use Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops?

You should use Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing is 1 drop twice a day in the affected eye(s). Always wash your hands before and after use, and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Do I need a prescription for Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops?

Yes, Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops are a prescription medicine. You must use them only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist and should not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What precautions should I take while using Azelastine + Lubricant eye drops?

A key precaution is that you might experience a brief, mild bitter taste after instilling the drops. Always use this medicine only as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. If you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor about when to remove and reinsert them. Avoid driving or operating machinery if your vision becomes temporarily blurred after using the drops.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.