Elestat

Elestat

Generic Name: epinastine ophthalmic (EP i NAS teen off THAL mik)

Brand Names: Elestat

What is Elestat?

Elestat is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen. It works by blocking the release of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Elestat is used to prevent itching of the eyes associated with allergies.

Elestat may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Elestat if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Elestat before inserting contact lenses.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Elestat?

Do not use Elestat if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine. Elestat is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether epinastine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Elestat without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether epinastine passes into breast milk. Do not use Elestat without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Elestat is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use Elestat?

Use Elestat eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Elestat if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Elestat before inserting contact lenses.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store Elestat at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Elestat?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Elestat if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using Elestat before inserting contact lenses.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Elestat without first talking to your doctor.

Elestat side effects

Serious side effects are not expected to occur with the use of Elestat.

Commonly, some eye burning, irritation, itching, or redness may occur. Headache and symptoms of a cold have also been reported.

This is not a complete list of Elestat 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.

See also: Elestat side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Elestat?

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with Elestat without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Elestat. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

More Elestat resources

Elestat Side Effects (in More Detail)

Elestat Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Elestat Support Group

2 Reviews for Elestat - Add your own review/rating

Elestat Prescribing Information (FDA)

Elestat Monograph (AHFS DI)

Elestat Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Elestat MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Elestat with other medications

Conjunctivitis, Allergic

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about Elestat written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Epinastine ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Elestat in a 0.05% solution. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.