Emedastine eye drops

About emedastine eye drops

Exposure to irritants such as plant pollens, pet fur or pollution can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. Histamine can cause allergic symptoms such as red, itchy, and watery eyes, often referred to as hayfever.
Emedastine eye drops relieve the eye symptoms of hayfever by blocking the action of histamine in the body.

Before using emedastine eye drops

Before using emedastine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines
• These drops are not recommended for children under three years old.

How to use emedastine eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand, turn the container upside down near to the eye, but try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to administer one drop
6. Close the eye and keep it closed for a minute or two. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use this preparation in both eyes
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including the eye or fingers
9. Wash your hands
10. Emedastine drops should be used twice a day or as directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use these drops as directed by your doctor and always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• If you also have to use any other eye drops or ointments, leave about five minutes between each one.
• Try to use this preparation at regular intervals as directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
• Do not swallow this medicine. If you or someone else has swallowed emedastine eye drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container or bottle with you if possible.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using these drops. Leave them out for at least half an hour before replacing.
• When first put in, emedastine eye drops may cause blurred vision. Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, operate machinery or do other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not able to see properly.

Can emedastine eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects of emedastine eye drops are shown below:

Other side effects that occasionally affect the eyes are dry eyes, itching, redness, tired or watery eyes and a feeling of something in the eye
Other side effects that occasionally affect the body are headache, rash, altered sense of taste and allergy
If you experience these or any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to these eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store emedastine eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard these eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines