DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Epinastine (ep-IN-as-teen)
Brand Name: Elestat

Elestat is used for:

Preventing itching of the eyes caused by allergies.

Elestat is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the release of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Elestat if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Elestat
• you are taking efavirenz

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Elestat :

Some medical conditions may interact with Elestat . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Elestat . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Efavirenz because the actions and side effects of Elestat may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Elestat may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Elestat :

Use Elestat as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Elestat is for use in the eye only. Avoid contact with other mucous membranes.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before placing the drop into your eye.
• To use Elestat in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• If you miss a dose of Elestat , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Elestat .

Important safety information:

• Elestat may cause mild stinging or burning when you first put it in your eye. Contact your doctor if the stinging continues.
• Do not use Elestat for a longer period of time than your doctor prescribed.
• Do not use Elestat for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor.
• Patients who wear soft contact lenses and whose eyes are not red should wait at least 10 minutes after using Elestat before inserting their contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses when your eyes are red.
• Do not use Elestat to treat irritation caused by contact lenses.
• Elestat is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Elestat during pregnancy. It is unknown if Elestat is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Elestat , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Elestat :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; headache; infection (cold and upper respiratory tract infection); inflammation of hair follicles; mild burning, redness, or stinging of the eye; runny nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Elestat may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Elestat :

Store Elestat at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep Elestat out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Elestat , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Elestat is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Elestat . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.