Epinastine

Epinastine is a prescription medication used for the prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

• Epinastine is available under the following different brand names: Elestat

Common side effects of Epinastine include:

• eye irritation (burning, redness)
• watery eyes
• headache
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Serious side effects of Epinastine include:

• swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (around your eyelids)
• severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops

Rare side effects of Epinastine include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, light-headedness, or passing out

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• 0.05%

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Adult dosage

• Instill 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 12 hours; continue throughout exposure even in absence of symptoms

Pediatric dosage

• Children younger than 2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
• Children older than 2 years: As adults, instil 1 drop in affected eye(s) every 12 hours

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Epinastine has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs
• Epinastine has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs
• Epinastine has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs
• Epinastine has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Contact lens-related irritation

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Epinastine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Epinastine?”

Cautions

• Do not wear contact lenses if eyes are red; wait 10 min after epinastine to insert contacts
• Keratitis may occur from inadvertent contamination of multi-dose ophthalmic solution; use caution
• Not for contact lens irritation relief
• Do not wear contact lenses if eye is red

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution