AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE .5 mg/mL Solution/ Drops
Other active recalls for Azelastine Hydrochloride (different manufacturers) — 1 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Azelastine ophthlamic is used to relieve the itching of allergic pink eye. Azelastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- These drops are used to relieve eye itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis — basically, itchy eyes from allergies. Azelastine is an antihistamine, so it works by blocking the ch...
- You put one drop into each affected eye twice a day. Make sure you're only using these drops in your eye — they're not meant to be swallowed or injected. If you wear contact lenses...
- Yes, temporary burning or stinging right after applying the drops is actually the most commonly reported side effect — it happens in about 1 in 3 people. It usually passes quickly....
- My eyes burned after I put in the drops — is that normal?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII F5UM2KM3W7
Benzalkonium chloride is a chemical compound that works as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in medications. It prevents bacterial and fungal growth in liquid formulations to keep the product safe during storage and use.
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UNII 7FLD91C86K
Edetate disodium is a chemical compound that binds and removes certain metal ions. In medicines, it acts as a preservative and stabilizer by preventing metals like calcium from interfering with the product's shelf life and consistency.
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Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
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UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
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UNII 506T60A25R
Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol derived from glucose. It serves as a sweetener, humectant, and bulking agent in medications to improve taste and help maintain moisture in the product.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
6 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $1.79 | $10.72 / 6 ml |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 47335-0938-90 | Sun | 1 bottle | $0.908 | — | FDA listed | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 60505-0578-04 | Apotex | 1 bottle | $1.005 | AT | Availability likely | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 61314-0308-02 | Sandoz | 1 bottle | $1.005 | AT | Availability likely | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.05% .5 mg/mL 62332-0506-06 | Alembic | 1 bottle | $1.005 | AT | Availability likely | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 70069-0091-01 | Somerset | 1 bottle | $1.005 | AT | Availability likely | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 72266-0141-01 | Fosun | 1 bottle | $1.005 | AT | Availability likely | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mLthis 46708-0506-06 | Alembic | 1 bottle | — | AT | FDA listed | — |
| Azelastine Hydrochloride .5 mg/mL 68083-0287-01 | Gland | 1 bottle | — | AT | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46708-0506-06 You're viewing this | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (46708-506-06) / 6 mL in 1 BOTTLE | 2019-03-20 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS & USAGE Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% is indicated for the treatment of itching of the eye associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose is one drop instilled into each affected eye twice a day.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% is contraindicated in persons with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of its components.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% is for ocular use only and not for injection or oral use.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 1–10% 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.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
PREGNANCY Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C. Azelastine hydrochloride has been shown to be embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic (external and skeletal abnormalities) in mice at an oral dose of 68.6 mg/kg/day (57,000 times the recommended ocular human use level). At an oral dose of 30 mg/kg/day (25,000 times the recommended ocular human use level), delayed ossification (undeveloped metacarpus) and the incidence of 14th rib were increased in rats.
At 68.6 mg/kg/day (57,000 times the maximum recommended ocular human use level) azelastine hydrochloride caused resorption and fetotoxic effects in rats. The relevance to humans of these skeletal findings noted at only high drug exposure levels is unknown. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
PEDIATRIC USE Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 3 have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
GERIATRIC USE No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Azelastine Hydrochloride is a relatively selective histamine H 1 antagonist and an inhibitor of the release of histamine and other mediators from cells (e.g. mast cells) involved in the allergic response. Based on in-vitro studies using human cell lines, inhibition of other mediators involved in allergic reactions (e.g. leukotrienes and PAF) has been demonstrated with azelastine hydrochloride. Decreased chemotaxis and activation of eosinophils has also been demonstrated.
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism: Absorption of azelastine following ocular administration was relatively low. A study in symptomatic patients receiving one drop of azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% in each eye two to four times a day (0.06 to 0.12 mg azelastine hydrochloride) demonstrated plasma concentrations of azelastine hydrochloride to generally be between 0.02 and 0.25 ng/mL after 56 days of treatment. Three of nineteen patients had quantifiable amounts of N-desmethylazelastine that ranged from 0.25–0.87 ng/mL at Day 56.
Based on intravenous and oral administration, the elimination half-life, steady-state volume of distribution and plasma clearance were 22 hours,
14.5 L/kg and
0.5L/h/kg, respectively. Approximately 75% of an oral dose of radiolabeled azelastine hydrochloride was excreted in the feces with less than 10% as unchanged azelastine. Azelastine hydrochloride is oxidatively metabolized to the principal metabolite, N-desmethylazelastine, by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.
In-vitro studies in human plasma indicate that the plasma protein binding of azelastine and N-desmethylazelastine are approximately 88% and 97%, respectively. Clinical Trials: In a conjunctival antigen challenge study, azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% was more effective than its vehicle in preventing itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% had a rapid (within 3 minutes) onset of effect and a duration of effect of approximately 8 hours for the prevention of itching.
In environmental studies, adult and pediatric patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis were treated with azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% for two to eight weeks. In these studies, azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% was more effective than its vehicle in relieving itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 0.05% is supplied as follows: Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 0.05% 6 mL (NDC#46708-506-06) solution in a 10 mL LDPE container with LDPE nozzle and a white HDPE screw cap. Storage Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 0.05% : Store UPRIGHT between 2° and 25°C (36° and 77°F). Rx only Manufactured by: Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited Karakhadi - 391 450, Gujarat, India.
Revised: 01/2024
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION 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: Structural formula: C 22 H 24 ClN 3 O•HCl Each mL of azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 0.05% 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, hypromellose, sorbitol solution, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.
It has a pH of approximately 5.0 to 6.5 and an osmolarity of approximately 271 to 312 mOsmol/L. azelastine-hydrochloride-str
💬 Information for Patients ▾
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS To prevent contaminating the dropper tip and solution, care should be taken not to touch any surface, the eyelids, or surrounding areas with the dropper tip of the bottle or single-use container. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use. Discard single-use container immediately after use.
This product is sterile when packaged. Patients should be advised not to wear a contact lens if their eye is red. Azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% should not be used to treat contact lens related irritation.
The preservative in azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05%, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Patients who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red , should be instructed to wait at least ten minutes after instilling azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.05% before they insert their contact lenses.