Pronunciation: ep-IN-as-teen
Generic Name: Epinastine
Brand Name: Elestat
Epinastine is used for:
Preventing itching of the eyes caused by allergies.
Epinastine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the release of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Do NOT use Epinastine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Epinastine
- you are taking efavirenz
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Epinastine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Epinastine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Epinastine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Efavirenz because it may increase the risk of Epinastine's side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Epinastine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Epinastine:
Use Epinastine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Epinastine is only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.
- Remove contact lenses before you use Epinastine.
- To use Epinastine in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
- If you miss a dose of Epinastine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Epinastine.
Important safety information:
- Epinastine may cause mild stinging or burning when you first put it in your eye. Contact your doctor if the stinging continues.
- Do not use Epinastine for a longer period of time than your doctor prescribed.
- Do not use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Patients who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red should wait at least 10 minutes after using Epinastine before inserting their contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses when your eyes are red.
- Do not use Epinastine to treat irritation caused by contact lenses.
- Epinastine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age; safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Epinastine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Epinastine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Epinastine, check with your doctor. Discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Epinastine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cough; headache; infection (cold and upper respiratory tract infection); inflammation of hair follicles; mild burning, redness, or stinging of the eye; runny nose.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Epinastine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Epinastine may be harmful if swallowed.
Proper storage of Epinastine:
Store Epinastine at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep Epinastine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Epinastine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Epinastine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Epinastine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Epinastine resources
- Epinastine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Epinastine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Epinastine Support Group
- 3 Reviews for Epinastine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Epinastine with other medications
- Conjunctivitis, Allergic
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