bepotastine ophthalmic

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Pronunciation: BEP oh TAS teen off THAL mik

Brand: Bepreve

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bepotastine.

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

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Stop using bepotastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe eye irritation when using the eye drops.

What is bepotastine ophthalmic?

Bepotastine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.

Bepotastine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies.

Bepotastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses.

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

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bepotastine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bepotastine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether bepotastine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication in a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I use bepotastine ophthalmic?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

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 as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
  • Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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

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?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using bepotastine ophthalmic?

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

What are the possible side effects of bepotastine ophthalmic?

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

Stop using bepotastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe eye irritation when using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild eye irritation;
  • stuffy nose, sore throat;
  • headache; or
  • unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

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 bepotastine ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bepotastine used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about bepotastine 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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