Bepotastine besilate (Ophthalmic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 8, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Bepreve

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Bepotastine

Uses for bepotastine besilate

Bepotastine besilate eye drops is used to treat itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works by preventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are produced by cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions.

Bepotastine besilate is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using bepotastine besilate

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bepotastine besilate, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bepotastine besilate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bepotastine besilate in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bepotastine besilate in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of bepotastine besilate

Your eye doctor will tell you how much of bepotastine besilate to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Bepotastine besilate is not for long-term use.

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Then turn the closed bottle upside down and shake it one time before putting the medicine in your eye. Remove the cap with the bottle still being held upside down.
• Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid aw...