Bepotastine eye drops are used for:

Treating itchy eyes caused by allergies.

Bepotastine eye drops are an antihistamine eye drop. It works by blocking the release of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use bepotastine eye drops if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in bepotastine eye drops

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

• Red, Irritated, Watering Eyes? Chances Are You’ve Got Pink Eye
• Slideshow
• Red, Irritated, Watering Eyes? Chances Are You’ve Got Pink Eye

Before using bepotastine eye drops:

Some medical conditions may interact with bepotastine eye drops. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with bepotastine eye drops. Because little, if any, of bepotastine eye drops are absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if bepotastine eye drops may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use bepotastine eye drops:

Use bepotastine eye drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Bepotastine eye drops are only for the eye. Do not get it in your nose or mouth.
• Remove contact lenses before you use bepotastine eye drops.
• To use bepotastine eye drops in the eye, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean, dry tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including the eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• Soft contact lenses may absorb a chemical in bepotastine eye drops. Wait 10 minutes after you use bepotastine eye drops before you put your contacts back in.
• If you miss a dose of bepotastine eye drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once

Use bepotastine eye drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Important safety information:

• Do not use bepotastine eye drops for future eye problems without first checking with your doctor.
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Bepotastine eye drops should not be used to treat redness or irritation caused by contact lenses.
• Bepotastine eye drops may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Bepotastine eye drops should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using bepotastine eye drops while you are pregnant. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use bepotastine eye drops, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of bepotastine eye drops:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache; mild taste in the mouth; sore throat.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue); new or worsening eye irritation or redness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.