Epinastine Ophthalmic (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Epinastine ophthalmic solution is used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis (a condition in which the eyes become itchy, swollen, red, and teary when they are exposed to certain substances in the air). Epinastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing the release of natural substances which cause allergic reactions in the eyes.

How this medication should be used

Epinastine comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied twice a day. To help you remember to use epinastine eyedrops, use them around the same times every day, usually morning and evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use epinastine eyedrops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of them or use them more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Epinastine eyedrops are only for use in the eyes. Do not swallow this medication.

Epinastine eyedrops control the itching of allergic conjunctivitis only when they are used regularly. Epinastine eyedrops will not work if you use them only when you experience symptoms. Continue to use epinastine eyedrops even if you feel well. Do not stop using epinastine eyedrops without talking to your doctor.

When you apply epinastine eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. Using eye drops that are contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist.

To use the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
3. Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper tip is not chipped or cracked.
4. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye, face, nose, fingers, or anything else.
5. Hold the bottle with the tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the medication inside.
6. Lie down and gaze upward or tilt your head back.
7. Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
8. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
9. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
10. Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
11. Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
12. Repeat steps 7-11 above for your other eye.
13. Replace the cap on the bottle and tighten it right away. Do not wipe or rinse off the tip.
14. Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before using epinastine eyedrops:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to epinastine or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red or irritated, and you should not use epinastine to treat eye irritation that you think may be caused by contact lenses.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking epinastine, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red or irritated, and you should not use epinastine eyedrops to treat irritation that you think may be caused by contact lenses. You should also not apply epinastine eyedrops while you are wearing contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before you use epinastine eyedrops and do not replace them for at least 10 minutes afterward. You may find it convenient to apply the eye drops before you put your lenses on in the morning and after you take them out in the evening.

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Epinastine eyedrops may cause side effects. It may be hard to tell if the symptoms you experience are side effects of epinastine eyedrops or are caused by allergies. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• burning or itchy eyes
• swollen eyelids
• eye redness
• headache
• runny nose
• cough

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience either of them, call your doctor immediately:

• sore throat
• fever, chills, and other signs of infection

Epinastine eyedrops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Elestat®