Elestat (Epinastine)

This medication is usually used only for a short time until allergy season ends.

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.

ELESTAT ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. ELESTAT ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using ELESTAT before putting your contact lenses in.

Stop using ELESTAT ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have swelling, redness, crusting or drainage, severe burning, severe stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

You should not use ELESTAT ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine.

It is not known whether ELESTAT ophthalmic 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 ELESTAT 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.

ELESTAT ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

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.

Stop using ELESTAT ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (around your eyelids); or
• severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning, itching, or eye irritation;
• watery eyes;
• headache; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. ELESTAT ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using ELESTAT before putting your contact lenses in.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with ELESTAT ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ELESTAT 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.

This medication is usually used only for a short time until allergy season ends.

ELESTAT ophthalmic is usually used twice per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

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.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• 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.
• If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
• Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

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.

An overdose of ELESTAT ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

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.