epinastine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical histamine H1-receptor antagonist with mast-cell-stabilising activity.
Licensed use
Symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Driving
Wait for temporary blurred vision to clear before driving or using machinery.
What is epinastine hydrochloride used for?
This product is licensed for:
Treating symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, including itchy, red, watery or swollen eyes and eyelids.
How does epinastine hydrochloride work?
Epinastine blocks histamine H1 receptors on the eye surface, reducing allergy-related itching, redness and watering. It also has mast-cell-stabilising and anti-inflammatory effects.
epinastine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 0.5 mg/mL
How to take epinastine hydrochloride
Use only in the eyes and follow the prescriber's instructions. Wash your hands, pull down the lower eyelid, apply as instructed into the resulting pocket and close the eye briefly. Do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, fingers or another surface. Replace the cap promptly. Remove soft contact lenses first and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Separate it from other eye treatments as directed in the leaflet.
Do not inject or swallow the drops.
Protect the bottle from light and discard it four weeks after opening.
epinastine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Mild burning in the eye
- Eye irritation
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, hives, difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Asthma or significant breathing difficulty
- Severe eye pain or a concerning change in vision
epinastine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy experience is very limited, although available reports have not identified harm. Discuss use during pregnancy with a prescriber or pharmacist.
epinastine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether epinastine passes into human breast milk. Systemic exposure after eye application is very low, but the product information advises caution. Discuss use with a prescriber or pharmacist.
epinastine hydrochloride interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Clinically important systemic interactions are not expected because blood concentrations after eye application are extremely low.
Other eye drops or ointments
Do not apply different eye treatments simultaneously; separate their application as instructed.
Soft contact lenses
Benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses and may discolour them. Remove lenses before use and replace them after 15 minutes.
Common questions about epinastine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is epinastine hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed in the UK to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, including itchy, red, watery or swollen eyes.
Is epinastine hydrochloride the same as Relestat?
Relestat is the brand name of the selected UK eye-drop product containing epinastine hydrochloride.
Does epinastine hydrochloride treat an eye infection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.