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.
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Bepotastine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. |
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Bepotastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses. |
Bepotastine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bepotastine ophthalmic?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bepotastine. |
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bepotastine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. |
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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. |
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Do not use this medication in a child younger than 2 years old. |
How should I use bepotastine ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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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 dropper 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 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.
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Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. 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. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. |
An overdose of bepotastine ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using bepotastine ophthalmic?
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Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. Bepotastine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using bepotastine before putting your contact lenses in. |
What are the possible side effects of bepotastine ophthalmic?
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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. |
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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;
- runny or 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 ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. 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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