Epinastine

The Basics

What is Epinastine?

Used to prevent itching of the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.

Brand names for Epinastine

Elestat

How Epinastine is classified

Antihistamines

Epinastine During Pregnancy

Epinastine pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Epinastine while pregnant

N/A

Taking Epinastine While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Epinastine?

Because absorption from the eye is limited, epinastine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because absorption from the eye is limited, epinastine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

Possible effects of Epinastine on milk supply

Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2][3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed. Low ophthalmic doses of epinastine are unlikely to have the same effect on serum prolactin.

Possible alternatives to Epinastine

Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine.