Epinastine Ophthalmic

This medication is used in both eyes, usually twice daily; or as directed by your doctor. Use should continue during times when you may be exposed to the agents (e.g., allergens, pollens) that can cause allergic conjunctivitis, even if your eyes are not irritated or itchy.If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying this medication. Wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before wearing your lenses again.To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of the eye and apply gentle pressure to prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

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 them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other eye medications.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Epinastine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using epinastine before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with epinastine ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on epinastine used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your doctor will tell you how much of epinastine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. epinastine is not for long-term use.

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Then turn the closed bottle upside down and shake it one time before putting the medicine in your eye. Remove the cap with the bottle still being held upside down.
• Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eye. Do not blink. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to cover the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing

The dose of epinastine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of epinastine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
  • For itching of the eyes:
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older—Use one drop in the affected eye two times a day.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of epinastine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

An overdose of epinastine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

Applies to epinastine ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution

General

The most common ocular side effects reported were a burning sensation following instillation, folliculosis, hyperemia, and pruritus of the eye.[Ref]

Ocular

Common: Burning, irritation, pruritus
Uncommon: Hyperemia, discharge, dryness, visual disturbance
Postmarketing reports: Increased lacrimation, eye pain[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon: Asthma, nasal irritation, rhinitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon: Headache, dysgeusia[Ref]

Some side effects of epinastine ophthalmic may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

No adjustment recommended

Data not available