Elestat

(Epinastine Hydrochloride)

The active ingredient in Elestat is epinastine hydrochloride.

Epinastine is an antihistamine that works on histamine H1 receptors in the eye. Its mechanism of action involves blocking the release of histamine from mast cells in the eye. Histamine is the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction that leads to itching, redness, and swelling. By blocking histamine and reducing its release, Elestat helps control allergic conjunctivitis symptoms when used regularly as prescribed.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Elestat. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Elestat:

• Elestat is for topical ophthalmic use only as eye drops. It should not be used by mouth or injected.
• The usual recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye twice daily.
• Use the drops every day during the period of exposure to allergens, even if your eyes are not itching at that moment.
• Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
• Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your healthcare professional, and remove the cap.
• Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and hold the dropper above the eye.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any surface, as this can contaminate the solution.
• Instill one drop into the affected eye(s), then close your eyes gently for a short time.
• If you use other topical ophthalmic medications, your healthcare professional may advise spacing them a few minutes apart.
• Elestat contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before using the drops and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.
• Do not use Elestat to treat contact lens-related irritation or if your eye is red while wearing contact lenses.
• If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra drops to make up for a missed dose.

Some mild or common side effects of Elestat include:

• Burning or stinging in the eye.
• Eye redness (hyperemia).
• Folliculosis (small bumps on the inner eyelid seen by an eye specialist).
• Itchy eyes (ocular pruritus).
• Watery eyes or increased tearing.
• Headache.
• Upper respiratory infections or common cold symptoms.
• Sore throat.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Elestat. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or eyelids, or trouble breathing.
• Sudden changes in vision, strong eye pain, or severe eye redness.
• Unusual eye discharge, strong sensitivity to light, or signs of eye infection.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Elestat. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, drug information sheets, or any other additional information that comes with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Elestat, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A history of allergic reactions to epinastine, other antihistamine eye drops, or any ingredients in the product.
• Eye infections, eye injuries, or recent eye surgery.
• Chronic eye conditions require regular care from an eye specialist.
• Conditions that make you sensitive to preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride.
• Any problems wearing contact lenses or episodes of red, irritated eyes when using lenses.
• Other medical conditions that require the use of multiple prescription drugs, especially other topical ophthalmic products.

Additional precautions include:

• Elestat is for use in the eyes only.
• Do not use Elestat to treat irritation or redness caused by contact lenses. If your eyes become red while wearing contact lenses, remove the lenses and talk to your healthcare professional.
• To avoid contamination, never touch the dropper tip to your eye, fingers, or any surface. Keeping the dropper clean helps prevent infection.

Based on the prescribing information, there are no formal contraindications listed for Elestat.

Elestat typically takes about 5 minutes to start working to help with eye itchiness and redness from allergies. However, it is designed to prevent the itching of allergic conjunctivitis rather than to give instant relief of all symptoms.

When Elestat is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other prescription drugs, especially other topical ophthalmic products that you use in the eyes.
• Over-the-counter eye drops, including lubricants or redness relievers, that you plan to use along with Elestat.
• Any supplements or herbal products used for allergies or eye health.

Elestat is supplied as an ophthalmic solution containing 0.05% epinastine HCl, which is 0.5 mg/mL.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Elestat (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) is an Allergan brand-name product.

Yes. The generic name for Elestat is epinastine ophthalmic solution 0.05%.

Elestat is usually used only during periods when you are exposed to allergens or during allergy seasons. You should not change your dosing schedule or stop using it without first discussing this with your healthcare professional.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Elestat will harm an unborn baby.

It is not known whether epinastine passes into breast milk during lactation or if it could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.