Epinastine: topical ophthalmic second generation antihistamine without significant systemic side effects.
BACKGROUND
Epinastine is a topical ophthalmic antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer indicated for treatment of symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety of epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution.


METHODS
Medline literature review from 1950 to 2008.


CONCLUSIONS
Epinastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution was found to be a safe and effective medication for the relief of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Epinastine demonstrates very low CNS and cardiac toxicity.
Pradhan
Shilpi
S
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, PA 15213, USA.
Abhishek
Kumar
K
Mah
Francis
F
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003984:Dibenzazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003984:Dibenzazepines; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007093:Imidazoles; C053090:epinastine