Names and pronunciation
(ep-ih-nas′teen)
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Drug reference
(ep-ih-nas′teen)
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Func. class.: Antihistamine (oph- thalmic)
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Chem. class.: Histamine 1 receptor antagonist/mast cell stabilizer
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ACTION: A topically active, direct H1-receptor antagonist and mast cell sta- bilizer; by reducing these inflammatory mediators, it relieves the ocular pruritus associated with allergic conjunctivitis
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USES: Prevention of ocular pruritus associated with signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
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CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hyper- sensitivity Precautions: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, contact lenses
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SIDE EFFECTS EENT: Ocular irritation, folliculosis, hyperemia, ocular pruritus MISC: Infection (including cold symp- toms and upper respiratory infections), headache, rhinitis, sinusitis, increased cough, pharyngitis
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DOSAGE AND ROUTES • Adult/child ≥3 yr: OPHTH Instill 1 drop in each eye bid
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Available forms: Ophthalmic solution 0.5%
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Administer: Ophthalmic route • For topical ophthalmic use only • The preservative benzalkonium chlo- ride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses; wait ≥10 min after instilling the ophthalmic solution before inserting contact lenses; contact lenses should not be worn if eye is red • Do not share ophthalmic drops with others • Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use • Treatment should be continued through- out the period of exposure (i.e., until the pollen season is over or until exposure to the offending allergen is terminated), even when symptoms are absent
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Assess: • Eyes: for itching, redness, use of soft or hard contact lenses
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Evaluate: • Therapeutic response: absence of red- ness, itching in the eyes
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CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
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Patient and caregiver information: Ophthalmic route • Product is for topical ophthalmic use only • Wash hands prior to and after use; tilt the head back slightly and pull the lower eyelid down with the index finger; squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac and gently close eyes for 1-2 min; do not blink • Do not touch the tip of the dropper to the eye, fingertips, or other surface • Wait ≥10 min after instilling the oph- thalmic solution before inserting contact lenses; contact lenses should not be worn if eye is red • Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use • Do not share ophthalmic drops with others • Remove contact lenses prior to use because the preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses; product should not be used to treat contact lens–related irritation HIGH ALERT
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PHARMACOKINETICS Onset 3-5 min, peak 2 hr, duration 8 hr
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• Adult/child ≥3 yr: OPHTH Instill 1 drop in each eye bid
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