Epinastine eye drops for hay fever

About epinastine eye drops

Epinastine eye drops are used to relieve eye symptoms (allergic conjunctivitis) caused by seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

Symptoms include red, itchy, watery, and irritated eyes, and often occur during the same season each year, particularly in spring and summer.

Epinastine eye drops work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction.

When your eyes come into contact with allergens such as pollen, the body releases histamine, which can cause red, itchy, watery, and irritated eyes.

By blocking histamine on the surface of the eyes, epinastine helps reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms.

Common side effects of epinastine eye drops are:

• Blurred vision.

• Stinging.

• Burning sensation.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the drops.

Speak with your doctor if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using the eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you wear soft contact lenses.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although epinastine is not known to be harmful to babies, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.

• If the drops are for a child. Epinastine drops are not recommended for a child under 12 years of age.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine or to any eye drops.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

1. Wash your hands well before you use the drops.

2. Open the bottle.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Gently squeeze the bottle to release one drop into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.

8. Put the cap back on the bottle.

• Read the leaflet supplied with your eye drops for more information and possible side effects.

• Use epinastine eye drops twice daily, usually once in the morning and once in the evening. Do not use them for longer than 8 weeks.

• Avoid touching the dropper tip with your eye, fingers, or other surfaces to help prevent infection.

• Your vision may be blurred for a short time after using the drops. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machinery.

• Speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a week or if they get worse.

• If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each one.

• Do not wear soft contact lenses while using epinastine eye drops unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use the drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This will help to prevent eye infections.

How long do epinastine eye drops take to work?

Epinastine eye drops usually start relieving allergy symptoms within a few minutes, although full relief may take longer in some people.

How long can you use epinastine eye drops for?

Epinastine eye drops are usually used during allergy season and should not normally be used for longer than 8 weeks unless advised by a doctor.

Can I wear contact lenses while using epinastine eye drops?

Soft contact lenses should not usually be worn while using epinastine eye drops because the preservative in the drops can affect the lenses.

What should I do if epinastine eye drops are not working?

If your symptoms do not improve within a week of using epinastine eye drops, or if they get worse, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can I use epinastine eye drops with other eye drops?

Yes, you can use epinastine eye drops with other eye drops but leave at least 5-10 minutes between different eye drops to allow each medicine to work properly.