Epinastine (Ophthalmic)

Epinastine (Ophthalmic) solution is used to prevent itching in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis. It works by blocking the effects of certain inflammatory substances that are made by cells in your eyes, which can lead to allergic reactions.

This medicine is available only with a prescription from your doctor.

Your eye doctor will want to check your or your child's eye(s) during regular visits to ensure the medicine is working well and not causing any unwanted effects.

If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out before putting the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting your contact lenses back in. You should only wear contact lenses if your eyes are not red. This medicine should not be used for irritation caused by contact lenses.

If you or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it will provide. For this medicine, the following factors should be taken into account:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There have not been suitable studies on how age affects the effects of epinastine in children younger than 2 years old. Safety and effectiveness have not been proven.

Geriatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown specific problems in older adults that would limit the usefulness of epinastine in the elderly.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may still be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or additional precautions may be needed. Inform 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 taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Burning sensation in the eye
• Increase in blood flow to the whites of the eyes
• Redness, itching, pain, swelling, or other irritation of the eye

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

some side effects were similar to the problem being treated

• Body aches or pain
• Chills
• Cough
• Difficulty with breathing
• Ear congestion
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of voice
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

some side effects were similar to the problem being treated

• Congestion
• Hoarseness
• Increased cough
• Pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• Shortness of breath
• Stuffy nose
• Tender, swollen glands in the neck
• Tightness of the chest or wheezing
• Trouble with swallowing
• Troubled breathing
• Voice changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Elestat

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Ophthalmologic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Antihistamine, Less-Sedating

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine 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 away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eye. Do not blink. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to cover the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops): For itching of the eyes: Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop in the affected eye two times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.