Pemilast

Indications

Pemirolast Potassium eye drops are used to prevent and relieve itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis, such as seasonal hay fever or allergy to dust, pollen or pet hair. It works best when used regularly during the allergy season.

How It Works

Pemirolast is a mast cell stabiliser. Mast cells in the eye release histamine and other chemicals when they meet an allergen, causing itching, redness and watering. Pemirolast keeps these cells stable so they release fewer of these chemicals, reducing the allergic reaction.

Dosage and Administration

Usual dose for adults and children aged 3 years and over: 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye four times daily. Wash your hands first, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put the drop in without touching the eye with the tip. Close the eye gently for a minute. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back.

Interactions

No important interactions with other medicines are known. Space other eye medicines at least 5 minutes apart.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to Pemirolast or any ingredient of the drops, including preservatives such as Benzalkonium chloride.

Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild and include headache, a runny or stuffy nose, cold or flu-like symptoms, and brief stinging, burning or dryness of the eye. Rarely, eye irritation may get worse.

Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain, changes in vision, severe redness or swelling of the eye or eyelids, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information in pregnancy; use only if your doctor advises. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

For use in the eyes only. Do not use to treat irritation caused by contact lenses or an eye infection. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Blurred vision may occur briefly after use, so wait until it clears before driving. To avoid contamination, do not let the dropper touch any surface, and do not share the bottle.

Overdose

Using too many drops is unlikely to cause harm; rinse the eye with clean water if irritation occurs. If a bottle is swallowed by a child, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Ophthalmic anti-allergic agent (mast cell stabiliser).

Storage

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