emedastine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

emedastine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Emadine

What is the most important information I should know about emedastine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with emedastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using emedastine ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.

What is emedastine ophthalmic?

Emedastine is an anti-allergic medication. It inhibits processes in the body that cause allergic symptoms after exposure to an allergen.

Emedastine ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as itching.

Emedastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using emedastine ophthalmic?

Do not use emedastine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the eye, unless you are also using an anti-infective medicine. Emedastine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use emedastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether emedastine passes into breast milk. Do not use emedastine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Emedastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use emedastine ophthalmic?

Use emedastine eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down the tear duct. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment with emedastine ophthalmic if your eyes are red. If you wear soft contact lenses, and your eyes are not red, wait at least 10 minutes after using emedastine ophthalmic before inserting contact lenses.

Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store emedastine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be life-threatening. If an overdose is suspected or if the drops have been ingested, contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice.