Epinastine ophthalmic

Generic Name: epinastine ophthalmic (EP i NAS teen off THAL mik)

Brand Names: Elestat

What is epinastine ophthalmic?

Epinastine is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.

Epinastine ophthalmic is used to prevent itching of the eyes associated with allergies.

Epinastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about epinastine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinastine ophthalmic?

Do 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. Epinastine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether epinastine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use epinastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether epinastine passes into breast milk. Do not use epinastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Epinastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use epinastine ophthalmic?

Use epinastine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• 
  

  Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.

  
  

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store epinastine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using epinastine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.

Epinastine ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of epinastine ophthalmic.

Commonly, some eye burning, irritation, itching, or redness may occur. Headache and symptoms of a cold have also been reported.

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.

Epinastine ophthalmic Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

1 drop in each eye twice daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

>3 years: 1 drop in each eye twice daily.

What other drugs will affect epinastine ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with epinastine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

More epinastine ophthalmic resources

• Epinastine ophthalmic Side Effects (in more detail)
• Epinastine ophthalmic Dosage
• Epinastine ophthalmic Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Epinastine ophthalmic Support Group
• 3 Reviews for Epinastine - Add your own review/rating

• Elestat Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Elestat Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Elestat Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Elestat MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Elestat Consumer Overview

Compare epinastine ophthalmic with other medications

• Conjunctivitis, Allergic

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about epinastine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: epinastine side effects (in more detail)