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Elestat (ep-i-NAS-teen ) ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat itching of the eye caused by a condition known as allergic conjunctivitis. It works by preventing the effects of certain inflammatory substances, which are produced by cells in your eyes and sometimes cause allergic reactions. Elestat is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Ophthalmic Solution (eye drops) (U.S.)
Elestat solution is used to prevent 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). Epinastine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing the release of natural substances which cause allergic reactions in the eyes. Epinastine comes as an ophthalmic solution (eye drops) to apply to the eyes. It is usually applied twice a day. To help you remember to use epinastine eyedrops, use them around the same times every day, usually morning and evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use epinastine eyedrops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of them or use them more often than prescribed by your doctor. Epinastine eyedrops are only for use in the eyes. Do not swallow this medication. Epinastine eyedrops control the itching of allergic conjunctivitis only when they are used regularly. Epinastine eyedrops will not work if you use them only when you experience symptoms. Continue to use epinastine eyedrops even if you feel well. Do not stop using epinastine eyedrops without talking to your doctor. When you apply epinastine eye drops, be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, face, 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: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye. Remove the protective cap. Make sure that the end of the dropper tip is not chipped or cracked. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye, face, nose, fingers, or anything else. Hold the bottle with the tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the medication inside. Lie down and gaze upward or tilt your head back. Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper tip as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket. Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging. Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink. Repeat steps 7-11 above for your other eye. Replace the cap on the bottle and tighten it right away. Do not wipe or rinse off the tip. Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again. Brand names: - Elestat - Epinastine |