emedastine ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: EM e DAS teen off THAL mik

Brand: Emadine

What is the most important information I should know about emedastine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is emedastine ophthalmic?

Emedastine ophthalmic is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Emedastine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat itchy or watery eyes caused by allergies.

Emedastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using emedastine ophthalmic?

You should not use emedastine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

To make sure emedastine ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • an infection in your eye (unless you are also using medicine to treat it).

FDA pregnancy category B. Emedastine ophthalmic is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether emedastine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Emedastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use emedastine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Emedastine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
  • Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of emedastine 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.

What should I avoid while using emedastine ophthalmic?

Do not wear contact lenses while using this medicine if your eyes are red.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of emedastine ophthalmic?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • mild burning or stinging after using the eye drops;
  • blurred vision, dry eyes; or
  • strange dreams.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect emedastine ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on emedastine used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about emedastine ophthalmic.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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