What is Epinastine Ophthalmic?
Epinastine can be described as an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching, eye watering, and a swollen nose.Epinastine eye drops (for the eye) can be used in order to treat eye itching that is caused by allergies.Epinastine ophthalmic is not used to alleviate eye irritation or discomfort that is caused by wearing contact lenses.Epinastine is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Epinastine Ophthalmic
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice any of the following symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Stop using epinastine and notify your doctor anytime if you suffer from an adverse reaction that is serious, like:
- Redness, swelling, severe pain, or crusting (around your eyes)
- Extreme burning, stinging, or other irritations after applying eye drops.
Less severe side effects can be:
- Slight burning, itching, or eye irritation
- Eyes with watery eyes
- Headache
- Symptoms of the cold, like nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. Report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA by calling their hotline, at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, cetirizine eye drops, dexamethasone eye drops, prednisolone eye drops, Azelastine is an ophthalmic Doxylamine
Cautions
The use of this medication is generally for a brief period until the allergy season is over.Do not allow the edge of the dropper to contact any surfaces, such as your hands or eyes. If the dropper is contaminated, it could trigger an eye infection in your eye, which could lead to a loss of vision or even serious injury to your eye.Epinastine eye drops should not be administered to children younger than 2 years of age without medical recommendation.
Do not take this medicine when wearing contact lenses. Epinastine Ophthalmic could contain an anti-oxidant that could cause discoloration to the soft lenses. You should wait at least 15 minutes after taking epinastine before putting your contacts in.Stop using epinastine eye drops and contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling or redness, crusting, burning or stinging, or any other irritation after applying drops to your eyes.
Prior to using this drug
You shouldn't take epinastine ophthalmic if you are suffering from an infection that is viral, bacterial, or fungal in your eye, unless you are also taking an anti-infective medication.FDA classification for pregnancy C It's not clear whether epinastine ophthalmic can cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant while taking this drug.It isn't known if epinastine ophthalmic is absorbed into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the nursing infant. Don't use this medicine without consulting your physician when you breastfeed babies.Epinastine eye drops are not recommended for any child under two years without medical guidance.
How do I take Epinastine Ophthalmic?
Follow the exact dosage as recommended by your physician. Avoid using larger than smaller quantities or for longer periods than prescribed. Follow the instructions on the prescription label.The medication is typically used for a limited time until allergy season has ended.Epinastine ophthalmics are usually prescribed every day for two hours. Follow the prescription of your physician.Clean your hands prior to applying eye medications.
To apply eye drops:
- Turn your head slightly back and then pull the lower eyelid, creating small pockets. Keep the dropper in front of your eye, with the tip facing down. Take your eyes off of the dropper while you squeeze one drop. Close your eyes.
- Only use the number of drops prescribed by your doctor.
- Press your finger gently to the inside of your eye (near your nostrils) for around 1 minute to stop the liquid from leaking into the tear drainage.
- If you are using several drops within your eye in the same location, you should wait around 5 minutes before putting another drop in.
- You should also wait at least 10 minutes before applying or using any eye drop your doctor has recommended.
Don't allow the edge of the dropper to contact any object, including your hands or eyes. If the dropper is contaminated, it may trigger an eye infection and result in visual loss or injury to your eye.Don't use the eye drops if they have changed color or contain particles. Reach out to your physician in order to obtain a new prescription.Storage at room temperature is far from heat and moisture. Avoid freezing. Close the bottle when not being used.
Info on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Douse 1 drop into each eye daily, once per day.
Comments: Treatment must be continued throughout the duration of exposure, even if symptoms do not manifest.
Use: To prevent the occurrence of itching that is caused by allergy conjunctivitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Age: 2 years or older
Instill 1 drop of each eye daily, once per day.
Comments: Treatment must continue throughout the duration of exposure, even when symptoms aren't evident.
Use: To prevent the occurrence of itching that is a result of allergies or conjunctivitis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Utilize the dose you missed when you remember. Avoid any missed doses if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
The overdose of epinastine eye drops isn't expected to pose a risk. Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 in the event that someone has swallowed the medicine accidentally.
Avoid this
Avoid using this drug with contact lenses. Epinastine is an ophthalmic medication that contains an antioxidant that could cause discoloration in soft contacts. You should wait for at least 15 minutes following the use of epinastine prior to putting your contacts in.Do not take other medications for your eyes during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic until your doctor has instructed you to.
Interaction with other drug
It's unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or inject can affect the eye. There are many drugs that interfere with each other. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter vitamins as well as herbal supplements. Don't start any new medication without first talking to your physician.
