Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops 10ml

What Are Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops Used For?

If your eyes are itching, watering, and turning red every time pollen season hits, you are not alone. Allergic conjunctivitis affects millions of people in the UK each year, and finding fast, reliable relief matters. Otrivine Antistin eye drops are a dual-action, over-the-counter solution designed specifically to tackle the itching and redness that come with allergic eye reactions — including those triggered by hay fever, pet dander, and dust mites. Each 10ml bottle is compact, easy to use, and available without a prescription.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to airborne allergens, releasing histamine that causes inflammation, itching, and visible redness. The NHS recognises allergic conjunctivitis as one of the most common eye complaints associated with hay fever. If you are already managing other allergy symptoms, you may find it helpful to explore our allergy and hay fever range alongside this product.

How Do Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops Work?

Otrivine Antistin works through two complementary mechanisms, which is what sets it apart from single-ingredient eye drops. The two active ingredients each target a different part of the allergic response:

• Antazoline sulphate (0.5%) — an antihistamine that competitively blocks H1 histamine receptors in the conjunctiva, reducing the itch and irritation triggered by allergen exposure.
• Xylometazoline hydrochloride (0.05%) — a sympathomimetic decongestant that causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) in the eye, visibly reducing redness within minutes.
• Together, these ingredients address both the itch and the redness simultaneously, rather than one symptom at a time.
• The drops are instilled directly onto the ocular surface, allowing localised action with minimal systemic absorption at the recommended dose.

This combination approach means you are not just masking one symptom — you are addressing the underlying histamine-driven irritation and the vascular response at the same time.

Who Is Otrivine Antistin Suitable For?

These drops are intended for adults and children aged 12 and over who experience itchy, red, or irritated eyes due to allergic causes. They are particularly useful during high pollen seasons or in environments with known allergens. That said, they are not appropriate for everyone.

Otrivine Antistin eye drops are suitable for:

• Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over
• People with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever-related eye symptoms)
• Those with perennial allergic conjunctivitis triggered by dust mites or pet hair
• Individuals who need quick, short-term relief from eye redness and itching

How Do Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops Compare to Alternatives?

How Should You Store Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops?

Proper storage keeps the drops safe and effective. Store the bottle below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Once opened, the drops must be discarded after 28 days — even if liquid remains — because the preservative system may no longer be effective beyond this point. Do not use the drops if the solution appears cloudy or discoloured.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. For a broader look at products that support eye health, visit our eye care collection. Always check the expiry date printed on the bottle before use.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Otrivine Antistin and What Is It Used For?

Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops 10ml is a licensed, over-the-counter medicine used to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. This includes the itching, redness, watering, and general irritation that occur when the eyes are exposed to allergens such as grass pollen, tree pollen, animal dander, or house dust mites. It contains two active ingredients — antazoline sulphate and xylometazoline hydrochloride — working together to provide dual-action symptom relief. The drops are for short-term use only and should not replace investigation into the underlying cause of your eye symptoms.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Otrivine Antistin?

Before using these drops, it is important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not use Otrivine Antistin if any of the following apply:

• You are under 12 years of age
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma or are at risk of it
• You are allergic to antazoline, xylometazoline, or any other ingredient in the formulation
• You are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within the last 14 days
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — seek pharmacist or GP advice first
• You have a known eye infection or injury — these drops are for allergic symptoms only

The following medicines may interact with Otrivine Antistin. Tell your pharmacist if you are taking:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
• Antihypertensive medicines (blood pressure-lowering drugs)
• Other sympathomimetic agents
• MAOIs — concurrent use is contraindicated

If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before instilling the drops. The preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses and may cause eye irritation.

How Should You Use Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops?

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your pharmacist. The steps below outline correct instillation technique:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle.
2. Tilt your head back slightly and look upward.
3. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the dropper tip close to your eye without touching it, and squeeze 1 to 2 drops into the pocket.
5. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid blinking excessively.
6. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) to reduce systemic absorption.
7. Repeat in the other eye if needed. Replace the cap immediately after use.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Otrivine Antistin?

Like all medicines, Otrivine Antistin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most are mild and temporary.

Common side effects:

• Temporary stinging or burning sensation immediately after instillation
• Mild eye irritation or watering
• Transient blurred vision (avoid driving until vision clears)

Less common side effects:

• Rebound redness (reactive hyperaemia) if used for longer than 7 days
• Dryness of the eye surface
• Headache
• Raised intraocular pressure — particularly relevant in those with undiagnosed glaucoma
• Systemic effects such as palpitations or raised blood pressure (rare at recommended doses)

Stop using the drops and seek medical advice if you experience eye pain, significant vision changes, or symptoms that worsen rather than improve. You can find further guidance on managing eye conditions through the NHS website.

How Should You Store Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Do not freeze the solution
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Discard 28 days after first opening, regardless of remaining volume
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label

If you are managing multiple allergy-related conditions alongside your eye symptoms, our ear, nose and throat range includes products that may help with nasal congestion and related hay fever symptoms.