Why is this medication prescribed?

Elestat is a brand name for the medication epinastine, which is primarily prescribed for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, commonly known as eye allergies. It works by inhibiting the release of histamine, which is a chemical in the body that causes allergic symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes.

How should this medicine be used?

Elestat is typically used as eye drops and should be applied directly into the eyes. Here’s how Elestat should be used:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
• Shake the bottle gently to ensure that the medication is evenly mixed.
• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Hold the dropper tip of the bottle close to your eye without touching it.
• Squeeze the prescribed number of drops (usually one drop) into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Be careful not to touch your eye, eyelid, or surrounding areas with the dropper tip to avoid contamination.
• Release your lower eyelid and gently close your eyes for a few moments to allow the medication to spread evenly over the surface of the eye.
• If you are using the eye drops in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.
• Wipe away any excess medication around the eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to rub the eye.
• Recap the bottle tightly to prevent contamination and store it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s important to follow the dosage and frequency prescribed by your doctor. Typically, Elestat is used twice a day, with about 8 to 12 hours between doses. Do not use more or less of the medication than prescribed, and do not use it more frequently than directed.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Elestat eye drops and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them to allow the medication to be absorbed properly.

If you experience any discomfort, irritation, or worsening of symptoms while using Elestat, or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, consult your doctor for further guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

While Elestat (epinastine) is primarily prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis, there may be some off-label uses or situations where it could be considered for other types of eye irritation or inflammation. However, it’s important to note that any such use should be discussed with and supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when using Elestat:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to epinastine or any other medications. This is crucial to avoid potential allergic reactions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Elestat with your doctor. It’s essential to weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant against the benefits of treatment.
• Other medical conditions: Inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially eye infections or injuries. Certain eye conditions may require different treatments or precautions when using Elestat.
• Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Elestat eye drops and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them, as mentioned earlier. This helps prevent any potential interactions between the medication and the lenses.
• Children: The safety and effectiveness of Elestat in children under the age of 2 have not been established. Use in pediatric patients should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Driving and operating machinery: Elestat may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances in some individuals. If you experience such effects, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision has returned to normal.
• Proper use: Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist carefully regarding the dosage and frequency of Elestat eye drops. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as this could increase the risk of side effects without providing additional benefits.
• Storage: Store Elestat eye drops at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination.
• Medical history: Provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, to help prevent potential drug interactions or complications.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using Elestat or any other medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual medical history and needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions are generally not associated with Elestat. However, if you have any concerns or specific dietary restrictions, it’s always best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Elestat, take 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 double the dose to catch up. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Like any medication, Elestat (epinastine) can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects associated with Elestat eye drops may include:

• Mild eye irritation or discomfort
• Headache
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eyelid swelling or redness
• Sensation of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
• Watery eyes
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose and throat)

These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience any other unexpected symptoms while using Elestat, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

In rare cases, some individuals may experience more severe side effects or allergic reactions to Elestat. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe eye pain or discomfort
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Eye discharge or crusting
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rash or hives

These are not all the possible side effects of Elestat. If you notice any other symptoms that you believe may be related to this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Additionally, if you have any concerns about the side effects of Elestat, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

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

Storage and disposal of Elestat:

• Storage: Store Elestat eye drops at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination. Do not freeze the medication.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Elestat eye drops according to local regulations. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Proper disposal helps prevent environmental contamination and protects others from accidentally ingesting the medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency/overdose of Elestat:

• Seek medical attention: If you suspect an overdose of Elestat or if someone has accidentally ingested the medication, seek immediate medical attention. Call your local poison control center or emergency services for guidance.
• Symptom management: While waiting for medical help, follow any instructions provided by healthcare professionals or poison control experts. If the medication was ingested, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical personnel.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor while using Elestat. Your doctor may want to monitor your response to the medication and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Keep away from children and pets: Store Elestat eye drops out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. The medication is intended for use in the eyes only and should not be swallowed.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip: To prevent contamination, avoid touching the dropper tip of the Elestat bottle with your hands or any other surfaces. Keep the tip clean and replace the cap tightly after each use.
• Inform healthcare providers: Inform other healthcare providers, including ophthalmologists and pharmacists, about your use of Elestat. This helps ensure coordinated care and prevents potential drug interactions or complications.
• Report any adverse effects: If you experience any unexpected or concerning side effects while using Elestat, report them to your doctor or pharmacist promptly. They can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment if necessary.
• Compliance with instructions: Use Elestat eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency of use unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
• Keep medication up to date: Check the expiration date on the Elestat bottle and discard any expired medication. Using expired medication may be ineffective or potentially harmful.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the proper use, storage, and disposal of Elestat, you can maximize the effectiveness of the medication while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or complications.