Generic Name: Epinastine Ophthalmic
Indications: Relief of eye-related allergy symptoms.
FDA Drug Category: C
Summary Recommendations: Epistane is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Elestat is delivered directly to the eye via liquid drops. Drops should be administered as directly. Patients with contact lenses should remove lenses before applying Elestat. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing contact lenses as a preservative used in some epistane products may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you experience extreme burning, crusting of the eye, drainage from the eye or extreme stinging, discontinue use and contact your physician.
Elestat is in the pregnancy category C. The FDA has not ruled out all possible pregnancy or fetal side effects.
General Precautions: Elestat is a short-term antihistamine. This allergy medication is typically prescribed at the beginning of allergy season with use continuing through the end of allergy season. Elestat is not prescribed for year-round allergies.
To reduce the risk of eye infection, refrain from touching the Elestat dropper with hands. Be careful to avoid touching the eye with the dropper. If the liquid appears discolored or particles appear in the bottle, discontinue use and call your physician for a new prescription.
Common side effects include mild eye burning, watering and headache. Some patients report cold symptoms. Severe side effects like extreme burning or stinging could be a sign of a negative reaction. It is important to report all side effects to your physician.
Effects While Trying to Conceive: There have been no reports of impact on human fertility with regular use of Epistate. However, animal studies have shown decreases in female fertility (rats) with doses of 90,000 times that prescribed to humans.
Effects on Pregnancy: Researchers have tested oral doses of Elestat of 150,000 times the normal human dose in animal studies. Extremely high doses were associated with abortions, resorptions and reduced offspring weight in animal studies. Due to these side effects, the FDA has placed Elestat in pregnancy category C. This medication should only be used by pregnant women if benefits are greater than potential risks.
Safe During Breastfeeding: Elestat is delivered to the eye, which allows for little absorption and an even smaller passage from mother to infant in breast milk. To reduce the amount of drug passed into breast milk it is suggested that users place pressure on the tear duct at the corner of the eye for one minute or longer after drops are placed in the eye. Dab away any excess Elestat with a clean cloth. There have been no reports of negative side effects in infants breastfeeding from mothers using Elestat for allergy symptoms.