Bepreve Eye Drops

Generic name: bepotastine ophthalmic [ BEP-oh-TAS-teen-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Bepreve
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Mar 25, 2024.

What is Bepreve?

Bepreve is an antihistamine eye drop that helps reduce the amount of the natural chemical histamine. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.

Bepreve is used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies.

Bepreve eye drops should not be used to treat eye discomfort caused by wearing contact lenses.

Warnings

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

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Bepreve may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using bepotastine before putting in your contact lenses.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

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

Before taking this medicine

When using Bepreve eye drops tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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

How should I use Bepreve?

Use Bepreve exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not use Bepreve eye drops while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine 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.

Dosing information

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using Bepreve?

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

Bepreve side effects

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

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

Common Bepreve side effects 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.

What other drugs will affect Bepreve?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Bepreve only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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