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Overview: Bepotastine is an eye drop used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. The most common side effects are eye irritation, headache, infection in the nose or throat, or common cold symptoms. Call your health care provider right away if you have dizziness, feel lightheaded, or faint while using bepotastine.

Uses

What is bepotastine used for?

Bepotastine is commonly used for itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from exposure to things like pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander.

Bepotastine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does bepotastine work (mechanism of action)?

Bepotastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamines from mast cells, which are involved in the allergic response. Antihistamines reduce or block histamines to help treat itchy eyes.

How is bepotastine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bepreve

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store bepotastine?

Bepotastine should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of bepotastine?

The most common side effects of bepotastine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • A mild taste in your mouth
  • Eye irritation
  • Headache
  • Infection in the nose or throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of bepotastine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of bepotastine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of bepotastine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Bepotastine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bepotastine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use bepotastine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use bepotastine.

  • Bepreve
  • Bepotastine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bepotastine products they stock.

What should I know about bepotastine before using it?

Do not use bepotastine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share bepotastine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep bepotastine out of the reach of children.

Bepotastine should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use bepotastine for eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

Do not wear contact lenses if your eye is red.

The preservative in bepotastine can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear soft contact lenses, wait at least ten minutes after using bepotastine before you put your contact lenses in your eyes.

What should I tell my health care provider before using bepotastine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if bepotastine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how bepotastine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if bepotastine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does bepotastine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between bepotastine and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between bepotastine and alcohol.

Does bepotastine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between bepotastine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much bepotastine?

If you or someone else has used too much bepotastine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of bepotastine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.