Epinastine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Malaysia prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Ophthalmic
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Adult: For symptomatic treatment: As 0.05% solution: Instil 1 drop into the affected eye(s) bid for up to 8 weeks.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.

What are the brands available for Epinastine in Malaysia?

Relestat

Special Precautions

Not intended to treat contact lens-related irritation. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Eye disorders: Burning sensation, dry eye, folliculosis, visual disturbance, eye irritation, eye discharge, eye pruritus, conjunctival/ocular hyperaemia.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Dysgeusia.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Asthma, nasal irritation, increased cough, rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis.

Pregnancy Category (US FDA)

Ophth: C

Patient Counseling Information

This drug may cause blurred vision or other visual disturbances, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Remove contact lenses before administration and reinsert them after 10 minutes.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Epinastine, a selective H₁-receptor antagonist which inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. It also has an affinity for H₂, α₁, α₂, and 5-HT₂ receptors.
Onset: 3-5 minutes.
Duration: 8 hours.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption after topical application. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 2 hours.
Distribution: Plasma protein binding: 64%.
Metabolism: <10% is metabolised.
Excretion: Mainly via urine (as unchanged drug). Terminal elimination half-life: Approx 12 hours.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light.

MIMS Class

Ophthalmic Decongestants, Anesthetics, Anti-Inflammatories

ATC Classification

S01GX10 - epinastine ; Belongs to the class of other ophthalmologic antiallergics.

References

Anon. Epinastine Hydrochloride. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Epinastine Hydrochloride. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Epinastine Hydrochloride Solution/Drops (Somerset Therapeutics, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Epinastine. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Joint Formulary Committee. Epinastine Hydrochloride. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Relestat Ophthalmic Solution 0.5 mg/mL (Abbvie Sdn Bhd). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Relestat, 0.5 mg/mL, Eye Drops, Solution (AbbVie Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 28/08/2024.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Epinastine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com