Bepotastine is a drug classified as an antihistamine. This drug works by preventing the release of histamine, a substance that triggers the appearance of allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, redness, and watering.
Benefits of Bepotastine
Bepotastine is used to treat allergic rhinitis caused by inflammation in the nasal cavity. This reaction occurs after the sufferer is exposed to various types of allergens, for example, pollen, dust, or animal hair.
The symptoms are characterized by:
- Runny nose or stuffy nose.
- Sneezing.
- Watery and itchy eyes.
- Swelling in the eyelids.
- Itching in the mouth and throat.
- Rash on the skin.
- The body feels weak.
- Coughs.
- Headache.
Bepotastine Dosage
The dosage of the drug is adjusted based on age, severity of the disease, age and health disorders experienced. The general dosage is 1 drop in each eye, 2 times a day.
How to Use Bepotastine
Follow the doctor’s instructions for use and the drug packaging label. Do not increase the dose without a doctor’s recommendation. Bepotastine is also not recommended for long-term use.
Here’s how to use bepotastine:
- Wash your hands first. Then, shake the bottle before use.
- Tilt your head back and pull under your eyes to leave space.
- Drop the medicine into the space. Then, release the lower eyelid and close the eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Wash your hands immediately after using the medication.
- To keep the tip of the bottle clean, do not touch it. Then, close tightly and store in a cool place.
Cautions for Using Bepotastine
Before using the drug, there are several things that need to be considered. This step is taken to minimize the risk of side effects after use.
- This drug is not recommended for those with a history of drug allergies liver disease and kidney disorders.
- The drug is not recommended for people who are taking other medications, supplements, or herbal medicines.
- The drug is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are planning a pregnancy, and breastfeeding mothers;
- The drug is not recommended for the elderly because it can increase blood pressure.
- The medication is not recommended for people who are experiencing red eyes and using contact lenses.
- The drug causes drowsiness, headache or blurred vision. So, users should not drive or operate heavy machinery.
- Give a break of about 5 minutes if you have previously used eye drops or ointment. This step aims to allow the medicine to be absorbed optimally.
- Stop using if the medicine starts to change color. This could indicate that the medicine has been contaminated, which could result in infection, serious eye damage, or even loss of vision.
Bepotastine Side Effects
Rare side effects include:
- Red and sore eyes.
- The appearance of a rash on the body.
- Itchy rash.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
- Fever.
- Headache
- Muscle pain.
- Sore throat.
- Nasal congestion.
- Excessive tiredness.
Bepotastine Interactions
The potential for interaction increases when bepotastine is used together with other types of drugs because it changes the way the drug works. As a result, the drug cannot work optimally, even causing toxic effects that are harmful to the body.