Epinastine ophthalmic
Generic name: epinastine ophthalmic [ EP-i-NAS-teen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Elestat
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.05%)
Drug class:Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants
What is 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.
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.
Before taking this medicine
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.
How should I use epinastine ophthalmic?
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
This medication is usually used only for a short time until allergy season ends.
Epinastine ophthalmic is usually used twice per day. Foll...
