Pemirolast ophthalmic

Generic Name: pemirolast ophthalmic (pem IR oh last off THAL mik)

Brand Names: Alamast

What is pemirolast ophthalmic?

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

Pemirolast ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as itching.

Pemirolast 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 pemirolast ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with pemirolast 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 pemirolast ophthalmic before inserting your contact lenses.

Who should not use pemirolast ophthalmic?

Do not use pemirolast ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment. Pemirolast ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pemirolast ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use pemirolast ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether pemirolast passes into breast milk. Do not use pemirolast ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Pemirolast ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use pemirolast ophthalmic?

Use pemirolast 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 your eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

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  Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops. Repeat the process in your other eye if directed to do so by your doctor.

  
  

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

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

Store pemirolast 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 your 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 occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using pemirolast ophthalmic?

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

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

Pemirolast ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with pemirolast ophthalmic.

Commonly, some burning, irritation, itching, dry eyes, or other eye discomfort may occur.

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.

Pemirolast ophthalmic Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

1 to 2 drops in each affected eye 4 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

3 to 18 years: 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye 4 times a day.

What other drugs will affect pemirolast ophthalmic?

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

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pemirolast ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More pemirolast ophthalmic resources

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

• Alamast Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Alamast Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Alamast Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Alamast MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare pemirolast ophthalmic with other medications

• Conjunctivitis, Allergic

Where can I get more information?

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

See also: pemirolast side effects (in more detail)