Generic Name: bepotastine ophthalmic (BEP oh TAS teen off THAL mik)Brand Names: Bepreve
Bepotastine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.
Bepotastine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies. Bepotastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses.Bepotastine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about bepotastine ophthalmic?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bepotastine. Do not use bepotastine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. Bepotastine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using bepotastine before putting your contact lenses in.Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Stop using bepotastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe eye irritation when using the eye drops.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bepotastine ophthalmic?You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bepotastine. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bepotastine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether bepotastine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication in a child younger than 2 years old.Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
An overdose of bepotastine ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild eye irritation;
runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
headache; or
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on bepotastine ophthalmic used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.