bepotastine

bepotastine

(be-poe-tass-teen) ,

Bepreve

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: ocular agents
Pharmacologic: antihistamines

Pregnancy Category: C

Indications

Treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Action

Acts as a histamine H₁ receptor antagonist; also inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells; does not bind to or inactivate histamine.

Therapeutic effects

Decreased ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Some systemic absorption follows ophthalmic administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Minimally metabolized by the liver; 75–90% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-life: Uknown.

Time/action profile (antihistaminic activity)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
ophth	within 15 min	1–2 hr†	12 hr

†blood levels

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in: Contact lens use ; Obstetric: Use during pregnancy potential maternal benefit justifies the potential risk to fetus; Lactation: Use cautiously during breastfeeding; Pediatric: Safe and effective use in children <2 yr has not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• headache

Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat

• nasopharyngitis

Gastrointestinal

• taste in mouth following instillation (most frequent)

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

None noted.

Route/Dosage

Ophthalmic (Adults) One drop in affected eye(s) twice daily.

Availability

Ophthalmic solution: 1.5%

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Assess signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (redness, itching, watering) periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

• Ophthalmic: Instill 1 drop into affected eyes twice daily. See for administration guidelines.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to instill bepotastine drops as directed. Do not touch dropper to eye or to any surface.
• Advise patient to remove contact lens prior to instillation. Do not use bepotastine for treatment of irritation related to contact lens. Do not wear contact lens if eyes are red. Contact lens may be reinserted 10 min following instillation.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Decrease in ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis.