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Epinastine eye drops


  • Epinastine eye drops are used for relieving the eye symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, often known as hayfever.
  • Epinastine eye drops should be used twice a day or as directed by your doctor.

About epinastine eye drops

Type of medicine Antihistamine eye preparation
Used for Relieving the eye symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, also known as hayfever
Also called Relestat
Available as Eye drops

Exposure to irritants such as grass or tree pollens can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. Histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as itchy, red, watery or swollen eyes and/or eyelids. Epinastine eye drops relieve the symptoms of hayfever by blocking the action of histamine.

Before using epinastine eye drops

Before using epinastine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you wear contact lenses.
  • These eye drops are not recommended for children under 12 years old.

How to use epinastine eye drops

  1. Always use epinastine eye drops exactly as your doctor has told you.
  2. Epinastine eye drops are usually used twice a day.
  3. Wash your hands well before use.
  4. Remove the outer cap.
  5. Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
  6. Turn the bottle upside down and squeeze it to release one drop into each eye that needs treatment.
  7. Let go of the lower lid, and close your eye for 30 seconds. If you think that you have missed the eye, then use another drop.
  8. To help prevent infection, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers or anything else.
  9. Put the outer cap back on the container straight away after you have used it.
  10. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Use these drops as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
  • If you use epinastine eye drops with other eye drops or ointments, leave at least ten minutes between using each one.
  • Try to use these eye drops at regular intervals as directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
  • Treatment with epinastine eye drops can continue for up to a maximum of eight weeks.
  • If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using these drops. Leave them out for at least half an hour before replacing.

Can epinastine eye drops cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Discomfort in the eye such as burning or stinging This should soon disappear as your eyes get used to the new drops. If discomfort in the eye continues speak with your doctor
Blurred vision This usually disappears within a few minutes of applying the eye drops. Do not drive or operate machinery unless your vision is clear. If blurred vision continues speak with your doctor

Other side effects that occasionally affect the eyes are dry eyes, allergic reactions, drooping eyelid, increased sensitivity to light and discharge from the eyes.
Other side effects that occasionally affect the body are asthma, headache, dry mouth, irritation in the nose and an unusual taste in the mouth.
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to these eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store epinastine eye drops

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
  • Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the site and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are using. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to use with your other medicines.
  • Before using this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after using any medicine.
  • Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much or swallowed any of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Relestat eye drops, Allergan Ltd, 03/01/2007, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised January 2007, accessed 12/11/2007.
  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
EMIS 2007 DocID:4040 DocRef: dils3928 Last Updated: 10 Dec 2007 Date of Next Review:9 Dec 2009 Version:22

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not replace medical advice.

If you want to find out more, or are worried about any medical issue or symptoms that you may be experiencing, please contact your local Numark pharmacist or see your doctor.