This medication is used to treat itching of the eyes due
to allergies. Bepotastine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking a
certain natural substance (histamine) that causes allergic
symptoms.
Do not use this medication to treat red or irritated
eyes due to wearing contact lenses. Contact your doctor for further
instructions if this occurs.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually twice a day.
Wash your hands before each use. To avoid contamination,
do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other
surface.
The preservative in this product may be absorbed by
contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this
medication and keep them out of your eyes for at least 10 minutes after
each dose.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1
to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose)
and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining
out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your
other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (for
example, other drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying
other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to
enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for
example, drops turn a dark color). Use of contaminated eye medication can
cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Contact
your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
in a few days or if it gets worse.
A mild taste in the mouth, headache, eye irritation, or
sore throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using bepotastine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
If you develop a new eye infection or injury, or require
eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current
bottle of bepotastine eye drops or start a new bottle.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Ask your doctor about additional ways to reduce your
symptoms (such as minimizing your exposure to allergens, using cold
compresses and lubricating eye drops).
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.