An Introduction to Bepotastine Uses
Bepotastine besilate (
Bepreve™) is an antihistamine eye drop used for treating eye
allergies. Specifically, the medication is approved for treating itching due to eye allergies.
Allergies can affect various parts of the body. Eye allergies are known medically as allergic conjunctivitis because the allergic reaction occurs in the conjunctiva (the thin layer that covers the eye). Symptoms of eye allergies may include:
- Watery eyes
- Redness
- Itching
- Puffiness
- Stinging and burning.
Allergy treatment can make life bearable for even the worst allergy sufferer, especially when combined with strategies to minimize a person's contact with allergens. Treatment often includes allergy eye drops such as bepotastine. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant eye drops, you can use bepotastine long-term without risk of making the redness and swelling worse by taking it too long.
How Does Bepotastine Work?
Bepotastine is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body known as H1 receptors. Since allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body, bepotastine can help relieve or prevent
allergy symptoms.
In addition to blocking histamine receptors, bepotastine seems to decrease the release of histamine from cells in the body.
