Elestat

Elestat is a prescription medicine used for preventing itchy eyes due to eye allergies. It is a type of antihistamine that works by blocking a specific histamine receptor and decreasing the release of histamine from certain cells in the body. The medicine comes in the form of an eye drop that is typically used twice a day (one drop in each eye).

What Is Elestat?

Elestat^® (epinastine ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eye drop used for the prevention of itchy eyes due to eye allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis).

(Click Elestat Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Elestat is manufactured by Allergan, Inc.

How Does Elestat Work?

Elestat belongs to a group of allergy medications known as antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). In addition to blocking histamine receptors, Elestat also seems to decrease the release of histamine from certain cells in the body. Since the symptoms of allergic reactions are partly caused by histamine, Elestat can help prevent or relieve allergy symptoms.

When and How to Take It

General considerations include the following:

This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in each eye twice a day.
It is best to use Elestat throughout allergy season, even on days you do not have symptoms.
If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the preservatives in the medication, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.

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