Elestat is an eye drop that is used to prevent itching that happens with eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis).

Who should not use Elestat?

Do not use Elestat if you are allergic to Elestat or any of its ingredients.

General Precautions with Elestat:  

Elestat is for eye use only. It should not be taken by mouth and should not be injected.

• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. 
• Elestat should not be used to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed before using Elestat, and may be reinserted after 10 minutes following use of Elestat. 
• Do not let the tip of the Elestat bottle touch the eye, fingers, or any other surface. This may allow germs to get into the Elestat medicine. These germs can then pass into your eyes when you use Elestat, which can result in serious eye damage and loss of vision. 
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider: 

• if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 
• if you are breast-feeding. 
• about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are some possible side effects of Elestat? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Elestat. Your health care provider or pharmacist can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

The most common side effects with Elestat occur in 10% or less of patients and include: 

• a burning feeling in the eye 
• inflammation of eye lid follicles (ocular folliculosis) 
• redness of the eye (ocular hyperemia) 
• itching of the eye (ocular pruritis) 
• cold symptoms 
• upper respiratory system infections

For more detailed information about Elestat, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Posted:  12/04/03