Epinastine (epinastine HCl)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Epinastine, a relatively selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist, has mast-cell stabilizing properties.
Epinastine, a relatively selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist, has mast-cell stabilizing properties. The drug inhibits the release of mediators (e.g., histamine) from cells involved in hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., mast cells).
Epinastine ophthalmic solution has a rapid onset of action (3-5 minutes) and a duration of effect of about 8 hours. Epinastine exhibits some affinity for histamine H2, alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic, and 5-HT2 receptors.
Epinastine does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is not expected to induce adverse CNS effects.
USES: This medication is an antihistamine used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis).
Generic name: epinastine HCl
Pronunciation: (EP-i-NAS-teen)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Epinastine
Indications
The following indications are listed for Epinastine:
- Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Ocular Itching
Also known as: Allergy Eye Itch, Atopic Conjunctivitis, Itchy Eyes Due To Allergies, Ocular Itching Due To Allergies, Ocular Pruritus.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
For topical ophthalmic use only. Not for injection or oral use.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to epinastine or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse ocular effects reported in approximately 1-10% of patients include ocular burning, folliculosis, hyperemia, and pruritus.
The most frequently reported adverse nonocular effect is infection (e.g., cold symptoms, upper respiratory infections), which occurred in approximately 10% of patients. Other adverse nonocular effects reported in approximately 1-3% of patients include headache, rhinitis, sinusitis, increased cough, and pharyngitis.
Some events may be related to the underlying ocular disease rather than epinastine.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 3 years of age.
Category C. (See Users Guide.)
Epinastine is distributed into milk in rats. It is not known whether the drug is distributed into human milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when ocular epinastine is administered to a nursing woman.
No overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger patients.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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