Why is this medication prescribed?

Bepreve is a prescription medication primarily used to treat itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelids.

Bepreve contains the active ingredient bepotastine, which is an antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Bepreve (bepotastine) is typically used as eye drops to treat itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Bepreve:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
• Shake the Bepreve eye drop bottle well before each use to ensure that the medication is evenly mixed.
• Twist off the cap from the bottle.
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Hold the bottle upside down with the dropper tip pointing towards your eye, but be careful not to touch your eye with the tip.
• Squeeze the bottle gently to instill one drop of Bepreve into the pocket formed by your lower eyelid. Try to avoid blinking or squeezing your eyelids tightly shut immediately after instilling the drop.
• Release your lower eyelid and close your eye gently. Press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps to prevent the medication from draining into your tear duct and being absorbed systemically.
• If you need to administer Bepreve to both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
• Replace the cap on the bottle, making sure it is tightly closed.
• Wash your hands again to remove any residual medication.

It’s essential to use Bepreve exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Typically, the recommended dosage is one drop in each affected eye twice a day, with at least 6 to 8 hours between doses. Do not use Bepreve more frequently than prescribed.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Bepreve and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Bepreve, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

Bepreve (bepotastine) is primarily used for treating itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, but it may also have off-label uses or be prescribed for other conditions at the discretion of a healthcare provider. Off-label uses could include addressing symptoms related to other forms of eye irritation or inflammation, but these uses would typically be determined by a healthcare provider based on their clinical judgment and knowledge of the medication.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using Bepreve:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to bepotastine or any other medications. This is crucial as Bepreve may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Bepreve with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. It’s essential to weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant against the potential benefits of treatment.
• Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Bepreve eye drops and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them. Bepreve contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may cause eye irritation. Additionally, contact lenses should not be worn if your eyes are red.
• Medical conditions: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have any eye conditions other than allergic conjunctivitis. Also, let them know if you have any history of eye surgery or eye problems, as this may affect the suitability of using Bepreve.
• Interactions: Before using Bepreve, inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Some medications may interact with Bepreve, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Driving and operating machinery: Bepreve may cause blurred vision or other vision changes in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.
• Proper use: Use Bepreve exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more or less of it or use it more frequently than prescribed.

If you have any concerns or questions about using Bepreve or if you experience any unexpected side effects, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with using Bepreve. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and follow any dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider for overall eye health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to use a dose of Bepreve, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra medication to make up for the missed dose. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Bepreve (bepotastine) may cause some side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of Bepreve eye drops may include:

• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Headache
• Taste changes (a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth)
• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye redness
• Itchy eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids

These side effects are usually mild and temporary, resolving on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience any other unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In rare cases, Bepreve may cause more severe side effects or allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe eye pain or irritation
• Changes in vision
• Eye discharge
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rash or hives

These symptoms could indicate a serious allergic reaction or other potentially serious side effects that require prompt medical treatment.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns about side effects with your healthcare provider before starting Bepreve or if you experience any unexpected symptoms while using the medication. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine whether Bepreve is the right treatment option for you.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Here’s what you should know about the storage and disposal of Bepreve:

Storage:

• Store Bepreve eye drops at room temperature between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Store the bottle away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Do not freeze Bepreve eye drops.
• Keep Bepreve out of reach of children and pets.

Disposal:

• Dispose of unused or expired Bepreve eye drops properly according to local regulations or as instructed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Do not flush Bepreve eye drops down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so.
• If you have any questions about how to dispose of Bepreve eye drops safely, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

In case of emergency/overdose

• If you accidentally swallow Bepreve eye drops or experience symptoms of an overdose, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
• Provide as much information as possible about the medication ingested, including the name, strength, and amount taken.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider while using Bepreve.
• Do not share Bepreve eye drops with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
• If you experience any new or worsening eye symptoms while using Bepreve, such as eye pain, redness, or vision changes, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using Bepreve, including the dosage and frequency of administration.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Bepreve.
• If you have any questions or concerns about Bepreve or its use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.