Emedastine Difumarate, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: emedastine difumarate, ophthalmic; Emadine

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to relieve eye itching and irritation caused by seasonal allergies (hay fever).

How do I use it?

Use the medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider.

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use eyedrops that have become discolored.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting in contact lenses. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Also, do not use this medicine to treat irritation caused by contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider): Continued irritation after using the medicine for a few days, severe irritation.

Other: Headache, abnormal dreams, bad taste sensation, blurred vision, dry eyes, tearing.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.