Bepreve for Itchy Eyes

Bepreve (bepostatine) is an antihistamine eye drop indicated for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Bepreve not only works to treat an eye allergy by blocking the effects of histamine, but it also acts to prevent allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells during an allergic reaction. Bepreve has also been shown to prevent nasal allergy symptoms that normally occur after the eyes are exposed to an allergen. This ability of Bepreve to prevent the naso-ocular reflex opens the possibility that an allergy eye drop could be used as a single treatment of hay fever.

Bepreve was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009 for the treatment of eye itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. The correct dosage of Bepreve is one drop in each eye twice daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older. The most common side effect of Bepreve is a mild taste in the mouth occurring after placement of the eye drop, reported to occur in 25% of people. Other side effects are rare, and include eye irritation, headache, and nasal or throat irritation.

Learn more about the treatment of itchy eyes associated with eye allergy.

_Sources:

_{Bepreve Package Insert. ISTA Pharmaceuticals. Website Accessed April 14, 2011.}

_{Torkildsen GL, Williams JI, Gow JA, et al. Bepotastine Besilate Ophthalmic Solution for the Relief of Nonocular Symptoms Provoked by Conjunctival Allergen Challenge. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010 Jul;105(1):57-64.}

_{Wingard JB, Mah FS. Critical Appraisal of Bepotastine in the Treatment of Ocular Itching Associated with Allergic Conjunctivitis. Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:201-7.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}