|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (pe
MIR oh
last) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Alamast™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Mast Cell Stabilizer; Ophthalmic Agent, Miscellaneous |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to pemirolast or any other part of the
medicine.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine prevents symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (itchy,
watery, red, irritated eyes). May take up to 4 weeks to see the full
effects.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Pemirolast, if taken before coming in contact with the material that
causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the
eye's reaction to the allergen.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- For the eye only.
- Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be
replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given. This medicine contains a
preservative that can be absorbed by the lens.
- After using medicine keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the
inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps medicine in the
eye.
- Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes
before using the next.
- Do not touch the bottle tip to eye, lid, or other skin.
- This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the
allergen.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not instill a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- If eyes are red, do not wear contact lenses.
- Do not use to treat contact lens-related irritation.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Headache.
- Cold and flu symptoms.
- Runny nose.
- Short-term stinging and burning when drops are first put
in.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing symptoms. May take 4
weeks to see full effects.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Severe headache.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
|
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
