Bepotastine
Introduction To Bepotastine
Bepotastine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used in the treatment of itching associated with inflammation in the eyes (redness and swelling) caused due to allergy.
Follow your doctor's instructions precisely for administering Bepotastine in the eye. It should be used regularly at evenly spaced time intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medicine too early may lead to returning or worsening.
Commonly seen side effects seen with Bepotastine include eye irritation, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or if your condition worsens. It may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use, so do not drive until your vision is clear.
Uses of Bepotastine
- Allergic eye disease
Benefits of Bepotastine
Allergic eye disease
Bepotastine helps relieve symptoms of allergic eye disease such as redness,
swelling, itching, and watering of the eyes. This medicine works by decreasing
the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation of the eyes. This
will make it easier for you to go about your daily activities. Use Bepotastine
as prescribed to get the most benefit. If you see no improvement even after 2
weeks, talk to your doctor.
Side effects of Bepotastine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Bepochek
- Sleepiness
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
- Taste change
- Feeling thirsty
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
- Fatigue
- Abnormal liver function tests
How to use Bepotastine
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off the extra liquid.
How Bepotastine works
Bepotastine is an antiallergic. It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (histamine) which is responsible for red, itchy, watery eyes.
Quick tips
- Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute, immediately after putting the medication. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye.
- A stinging sensation may occur for 1-2 mins. Notify your doctor if it persists for longer.
- To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
- If you wear eye lenses, avoid wearing them immediately after using Bepotastine. You may wear spectacles instead. Your doctor will be able to advise you on this.
- Make sure to use Bepotastine within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Bepotastine if I’m pregnant?
Bepotastine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Bepotastine if I’m breastfeeding?
Bepotastine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Bepotastine?
It is not known whether Bepotastine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Bepotastine?
What is it used for? Bepotastine belongs to the class of medicines known as H1 antihistamines. It is used to prevent and treat symptoms of eye allergies such as itching, redness, irritation or burning sensation.
Q. How and how many times a day should I use Bepotastine?
Instil one drop of Bepotastine into the affected eye(s) twice a day.
Q. Is Bepotastine safe?
Bepotastine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if you experience any bothersome side effects.
Q. What should I know before using Bepotastine?
Before using Bepotastine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to Bepotastine or any of its ingredients to avoid any allergic reactions. Let your doctor know if you have or ever had any problems related to your eyes. Inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Do not use this medicine to treat irritation caused by wearing contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses while using Bepotastine as it may cause discoloration of the soft lenses.
Q. How does Bepotastine work?
Bepotastine works by blocking the release of histamine which is a naturally occuring substance in our body. Histamine is responsible for producing symptoms of allergies such as itching, watery eyes, redness and irritation in the eyes.
Q. What other precautions should I take while using Bepotastine?
If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using Bepotastine and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. Do not touch the tip to any surface or your eye to avoid contamination.
Q. Is Bepotastine effective?
Bepotastine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Bepotastine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. How long should I keep my eyes shut after using Bepotastine?
After using the eye drops you should close your eyes for at least 2-3 minutes so that the medicine does not run off and gets absorbed in the eye.
Q. What is the right way to use Bepotastine?
Before using Bepotastine, wash your hands thoroughly. Shake the bottle and tilt your head back slightly. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes. Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems. Gently press your finger over the inside corner of your eye (over the eyelid) for about a minute. This helps prevent the drop from draining out of the eye. Repeat in your other eye if your doctor has told you to do this.
Q. Is it fine to use other eye medicines along with Bepotastine?
This eye drop may be used along with other eye drops if prescribed by your doctor. Maintain a 10-15 minutes interval between both medications.
Q. Can I use Bepotastine with contact lenses?
No, you should remove your contact lenses before instilling Bepotastine. You can re-insert the lenses 15 minutes after using the eye drop. Contact your doctor if there is any eye irritation that persists.
Q. Should I keep Bepotastine in the refrigerator?
You do not need to refrigerate Bepotastine after opening the bottle. However, store it in a cool place below 30℃. Make sure to use it within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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