Epinast

Indications

Epinastine Hydrochloride is an antihistamine. As eye drops (usually 0.05%), it is used to prevent and relieve itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis, for example due to pollen, dust or animal hair. As tablets, it is used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose), hives (urticaria) and itchy allergic skin conditions such as eczema.

How It Works

Epinastine blocks histamine H1 receptors, so histamine released during an allergic reaction cannot cause itching, redness and swelling. It also helps stabilise mast cells, the cells that release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, which reduces the allergic response. It does not easily enter the brain, so it causes little drowsiness.

Dosage and Administration

• Eye drops (0.05%), adults and children 12 years and over: 1 drop in each affected eye twice daily, or as prescribed. Continue during the allergy season.
• Tablets, adults: usually 10 to 20 mg once daily, or as prescribed. Children only as prescribed.

For eye drops, wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and place one drop without touching the eye with the tip. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before putting them back. If using other eye drops, leave 5 minutes between them.

Interactions

No important interactions are known with the eye drops. With tablets, alcohol and other sedating medicines may add to any drowsiness. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Epinastine or any ingredient in the product, including preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride in eye drops.

Side Effects

• Eye drops: brief burning or stinging, eye irritation, redness, headache, or cold-like symptoms
• Tablets: occasional drowsiness, dry mouth, stomach upset, headache, tiredness
• Rarely, raised liver enzymes with tablets or allergic reactions

Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash, severe eye pain or a sudden change in vision, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information in pregnancy. Use only if your doctor considers it necessary. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding; eye drops pass into the body only in very small amounts.

Precautions and Warnings

• Eye drops are for the eyes only; do not let the dropper tip touch any surface.
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
• Vision may blur briefly after drops; do not drive until it clears.
• If tablets make you drowsy, avoid driving and alcohol.
• See a doctor if eye symptoms worsen, there is discharge or pain, or symptoms last more than 3 days.

Overdose

Using too many eye drops is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water. If tablets or eye drops are swallowed in large amounts, especially by a child, contact a doctor.

Therapeutic Class

Antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) with mast cell stabilising action; ophthalmic and oral antiallergic

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the eye drop bottle tightly closed and discard it 4 weeks after opening.