Epinastine

Epinastine is a prescription medication used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis or allergies.

Epinastine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines. These work by preventing the release of histamine, which causes allergic reactions and itchiness in the eyes.

This medication comes in eye drop form and is typically administered twice daily.

Common side effects of epinastine include burning or itching of the eyes, swollen eyelids, eye redness, headache, runny nose, and cough.

Epinastine is a prescription medication used to prevent itchy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis or allergies.

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," occurs when there is inflammation or swelling in the clear layer of tissue on the eye (conjunctiva) and can be caused by a reaction to irritants, pollen, dander, mold, or other allergens as well as bacteria, fungi, and/or viruses.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• how you respond to this medication

The recommended dose epinastine for the prevention of itching of the eyes is 1 drop into each eye twice daily. Treatment should be continued throughout the period of allergen exposure, such as pollen season, even if symptoms are absent.

Serious side effects have been reported with epinastine including the following:

• Infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of an infection.
  • sore throat
  • fever or chills

Do not take epinastine if you are allergic to epinastine or to any of its ingredients.

Serious side effects have been reported with epinastine. See the “Epinastine Precautions” section.

Common side effects of epinastine include the following:

• burning or itching of the eyes
• swollen eyelids
• eye redness
• headache
• runny nose
• cough

This is not a complete list of epinastine side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No epinastine drug interactions have been reported by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X - are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Epinastine falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if epinastine crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using epinastine.