Epinastine ophthalmic

Generic name: Epinastine Ophthalmic
Brand names: Elestat
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.05%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Usage of Epinastine ophthalmic

Epinastine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Epinastine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergies.

Epinastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye irritation or discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses.

Epinastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Epinastine ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using epinastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (around your eyelids); or

severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild burning, itching, or eye irritation;

watery eyes;

headache; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Epinastine ophthalmic

You should not use epinastine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether epinastine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether epinastine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Epinastine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

Relate drugs

How to use Epinastine ophthalmic

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in each eye twice dailyComments: Treatment should be continued through period of exposure even when symptoms are not present.Use: For the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Age: 2 years and olderInstill 1 drop in each eye twice dailyComments: Treatment should be continued through period of exposure even when symptoms are not present.Use: For the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis

Warnings

This medication is usually used only for a short time until allergy season ends.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Epinastine ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Epinastine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using epinastine before putting your contact lenses in.

Stop using epinastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have swelling, redness, crusting or drainage, severe burning, severe stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

What other drugs will affect Epinastine ophthalmic

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on epinastine used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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