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

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Epinastine ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using epinastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (around your eyelids); or

• severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning, itching, or eye irritation;

• watery eyes;

• headache; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, cetirizine ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, azelastine ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, doxylamine

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. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

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.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Epinastine ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop in each eye twice daily

Comments: Treatment should be continued through period of exposure even when symptoms are not present.

Use: For the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Age: 2 years and older
Instill 1 drop in each eye twice daily

Comments: Treatment should be continued through period of exposure even when symptoms are not present.

Use: For the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of epinastine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using epinastine ophthalmic?

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.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect epinastine ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on epinastine used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Further information

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

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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