Bepotastine Ophthalmic

Conditions Treated

Bepotastine ophthalmic is used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis (a condition in which the eyes become itchy, swollen, red, and teary when they are exposed to certain substances in the air). Bepotastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action and preventing the release of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Bepotastine eye drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• mild taste
• irritated eyes
• headache
• swelling of the inside of the nose and throat

Bepotastine eye drops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Bepotastine comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied to the affected eye(s) twice a day. Use bepotastine eye drops at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use bepotastine eye drops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. When you use bepotastine eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, or any surface. If the tip does touch another surface, bacteria may get into the eye drops. Using eye drops that are contaminated with bacteria may cause serious damage to the eye or loss of vision. If you think your eye drops have become contaminated, call your doctor or pharmacist. To use the eye drops, follow these steps:

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using bepotastine eye drops, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bepotastine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in bepotastine eye drops. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition. tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red and you should not use bepotastine eye drops to treat irritation that you think may be caused by contact lenses. Bepotastine eye drops contain benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. You should also not apply bepotastine eye drops while you are wearing contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before you use bepotastine eye drops and do not replace them for at least 10 minutes afterward.