Bepotastine ophthalmic (for the eye) is an antihistamine that is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies.

bepotastine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses.

Bepotastine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in bepotastine ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and 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.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

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.

Store at room temperature. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice a day

Use: For the treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis:

2 years or older:

Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice a day

Use: For the treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

You should not use bepotastine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Bepotastine ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using bepotastine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe eye irritation when using the eye drops.

Common side effects of bepotastine ophthalmic may include:

• mild eye irritation;

• stuffy nose, sore throat;

• headache; or

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.