EPINASTINE (Ophthalmic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
- Antihistaminic (H1? receptor), ophthalmic
- antiallergic (ophthalmic)
- mast cell stabilizer (ophthalmic)
Description
Epinastine (ep-i-NAS-teen) ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat itching ofthe eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works bypreventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are producedby cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage forms:
Ophthalmic- Solution (eye drops) (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For epinastine, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusualor allergic reaction to epinastine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives like benzalkoniumchloride.
Pregnancy?Epinastine has not been studied in pregnant women.However, studies in animals have found that epinastine, given in high doses,can cause harmful effects on the fetus. Before taking this medicine, makesure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether epinastine passes intohuman breast milk after being used in the eye. Although most medicines passinto breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discussthis with their doctor.
Children?Studies on this medicine have been done only inadult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of epinastinein children under the age of 3 years with use in other age groups.
Older adults?This medicine has been tested and has not beenshown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than itdoes in younger adults.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. If youreyes are not red, contact lenses should be removed before you use this medicine.Also, you should wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine beforeputting the contact lenses back in.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do nottouch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also,keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possibleloss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.
The dose of epinastine 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 epinastine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless yourdoctor tells you to do so.
- For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
- For eye allergy:
- Adults and children 3 years of age and older?Use one drop ineach eye twice a day.
- Children younger than 3 years of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask yourhealth care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do notuse. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if theybecome worse, check with your doctor.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Side effectsmay occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects maygo away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, checkwith your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
More Common?some side effects were similar to problem being treated
Less common?some side effects were similar to problem being treated
Body aches or pain; burning eyes; congestion; dryness or soreness of throat; headache; hoarseness; increased cough; increase in blood flow to an area of the body; itching skin; pain or tenderness around eyes andcheekbones; redness, itching, pain, swelling, orother irritation of the eye; shortness of breath; stuffy nose; tender, swollenglands in neck; tightness of chest or wheezing; trouble in swallowing; troubled breathing; ; voice changes
Other side effects not listed above may also occur insome patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 02/19/2004
