Elestat

Generic name: Epinastine hydrochloride

What is Elestat?

Elestat is an antihistamine prescribed to relieve the itchy eyes caused by an allergic trigger such as pollen or animal dander. It starts to work within 3 to 5 minutes of placing the drops in the eye, and its effects usually last for 8 hours.

What is the most important information I should know about Elestat?

Do not use Elestat to treat eye irritation that isn't caused by allergies.

Only use Elestat in the eyes; it is not intended for oral use or as an injection.

Do not to wear contact lenses if your eye is red. Elestat ophthalmic solution should not be used to treat contact lens related irritation. The preservative in Elestat, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed prior to using Elestat ophthalmic solution and may be reinserted 10 minutes following its administration.

Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye, surrounding structures, fingers, or any other surface in order to avoid contamination of the solution by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections. Serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions.

Look at "How should I take this medication?" for the proper procedures on how to use this product.

Elestat may cause mild stinging or burning when you first put it in your eye. Contact your doctor if the stinging continues.

Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Who should not take Elestat?

Do not use Elestat if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you take Elestat and an allergic reaction occurs, you will have to stop using it.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Elestat?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you wear contact lenses, since this may be causing your eye irritation.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

The recommended dosage is one drop in each affected eye twice a day. You should continue using Elestat until you are no longer exposed to the allergic trigger (for example, until the pollen season is over), even if you do not have itchy eyes.

How should I take Elestat?

Use Elestat solution only in the eyes; never swallow it. Elestat is packaged in a bottle with a dropper tip. To prevent contamination of the solution, do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, to your eyelids, or to the surrounding area of the eye.

If you wear soft contact lenses and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Elestat before inserting your lenses. This will prevent them from absorbing the preservative in Elestat.

To use Elestat in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink.

Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

What should I avoid while taking Elestat?

Do not use Elestat to treat eye irritation that isn't caused by allergies.

Only use Elestat in the eyes; it is not intended for oral use or as an injection.

Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing container to contact the eye, surrounding structures, fingers, or any other surface in order to avoid contamination of the solution by common bacteria known to cause ocular infections.

Do not to wear contact lenses if your eye is red. Elestat ophthalmic solution should not be used to treat contact lens related irritation.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Elestat?

If this medication is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Always check with your doctor before combining this drug with any other medication, such as Efavirenz.

What are the possible side effects of Elestat?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Elestat.

Side effects may include: bloodshot eyes, burning sensation in the eye, cold-like symptoms, inflammation of eyelid follicles (folliculosis), itching of the eye, upper respiratory infection, headache

Some of these side effects are similar to the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Can I receive Elestat if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Elestat during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor immediately.

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

If you miss a dose of Elestat, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

How should I store Elestat?

Store Elestat at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep Elestat out of the reach of children.