What is epinastine ophthalmic?
Epinastine is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic
symptoms after exposure to an allergen.
Epinastine ophthalmic is used to prevent itching of the eyes associated with allergies.
Epinastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking epinastine ophthalmic?
Do 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.
Epinastine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether epinastine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use epinastine ophthalmic without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether epinastine passes into breast milk. Do not use epinastine
ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Epinastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
How should I take epinastine ophthalmic?
Use epinastine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands.
The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red.
If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine
ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store epinastine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the
bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of epinastine ophthalmic?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double
dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about epinastine ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about epinastine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of epinastine ophthalmic?
Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of epinastine ophthalmic.
Commonly, some eye burning, irritation, itching, or redness may occur. Headache and
symptoms of a cold have also been reported.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about epinastine ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red.
If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine
ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.
What should I avoid while taking epinastine ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is
sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red.
If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using epinastine
ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic without first
talking to your doctor.
What other drugs will affect epinastine ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic without first
talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with epinastine ophthalmic. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of epinastine ophthalmic?