Pemirolast (Ophthalmic)

Pemirolast is used to treat the itching in your eyes that occurs with allergies.

Pemirolast works by stopping certain types of inflammatory cells from releasing irritating substances that cause allergic symptoms.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

You should avoid wearing contact lenses when your eyes are red and irritated from your allergies.

For patients who continue to wear contact lenses and whose eyes are not red, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after applying pemirolast to your eyes before putting in any contact lenses you usually wear.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

This medicine has been tested in children aged 3 years and older and has not shown different side effects or problems compared to adults when given in effective doses.

Geriatric

There is no specific information available on using pemirolast in elderly patients compared to other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare provider about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Contact lens–related irritation—Pemirolast should not be used to treat this condition.

Along with its intended effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all side effects may occur, but if they do, you might need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Cough (mucus-producing)
• headache (severe)
• stomach pain and cramping
• pain and tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• painful menstrual bleeding
• runny or stuffy nose
• tightness in chest
• troubled breathing

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. Your health care professional may also 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, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Chills
• cough
• fever
• sneezing
• sore throat

Less common

• Back pain
• burning feeling in eye
• eyelid swelling
• eye dryness
• foreign body feeling in eye
• general feeling of eye discomfort
• increased itching of the eye
• redness of the eye

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.

• Alamast

Pharmacologic Class: Mast Cell Stabilizer

Pemirolast is used to help treat the itching that often occurs with allergic conjunctivitis.

• To use the eye drops form of this medicine: First, wash your hands. Then tilt the 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 eyes. Blink a few times to make sure the eye is covered with the medicine. 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. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.

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.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):For eye allergies: Adults and children 3 years of age and older—Use one to two drops in each affected eye four times a day. Children up to 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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. Do not double doses.

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.