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Overview: Epinastine is an eye drop used to prevent itchy eyes from allergies. The most common side effects of epinastine eye drops are eye burning, itching, and redness; folliculitis (inflamed hair follicle), infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or cold symptoms. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger.

Uses

What is epinastine used for?

Epinastine is commonly used to prevent itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander. 

Epinastine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does epinastine work (mechanism of action)?

Epinastine is an antihistamine. It blocks the release of histamine from cells involved in an allergic response. By blocking histamine, epinastine helps reduce allergy symptoms, such as itching.

How is epinastine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Elestat

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% solution (eye drop)

How should I store epinastine?

Epinastine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of epinastine?

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

  • Eye itching, burning, or redness
  • Inflamed hair follicle (folliculitis)
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of epinastine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 epinastine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Epinastine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using epinastine 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 epinastine?

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

  • Epinastine
  • Elestat
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about epinastine before using it?

Do not use epinastine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Epinastine is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

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

Keep epinastine out of the reach of children.

Epinastine 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.

An ingredient in epinastine may be absorbed by some contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, wait at least ten minutes after using epinastine before you put your contact lenses in your eyes. If your eyes are red and you wear contact lenses, talk with your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using epinastine?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if epinastine is right for you.

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

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if epinastine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use epinastine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does epinastine interact with foods or drinks?

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

There are no known interactions between epinastine and alcohol.

Does epinastine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between epinastine and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare 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 epinastine?

If you or someone else has used too much epinastine, 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 epinastine?

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.