BETOACT

Indications

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis

Dosage

Children: For pediatric patients aged 2 years and older, the recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily.

Adults: The usual adult dosage for bepotastine is one drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily.

Mechanism of action

Bepotastine acts by three primary mechanisms: it selectively antagonizes the histamine H1 receptor, thereby blocking the effects of histamine released during allergic reactions. Additionally, it stabilizes mast cells to prevent further degranulation and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Lastly, it suppresses the migration of eosinophils into inflamed tissues, which helps to prevent tissue damage and worsening of allergic conjunctival inflammation.

Pharmacodynamics

As a non-sedating, selective antagonist of the H1 receptor, bepotastine provides effective symptom relief without the sedation commonly associated with first-generation antihistamines. It belongs to the piperidine chemical class and has a rapid onset of action (approximately 0.25 hours) with a duration of action lasting between 12 to 24 hours. It does not interact with serotonin, muscarinic, benzodiazepine, or beta-adrenergic receptors, minimizing the risk of adverse effects such as dry mouth or somnolence.

Pharmacokinetics

Bepotastine is well-absorbed and has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile that supports its effectiveness in treating allergic conjunctivitis. Specific details regarding its distribution, metabolism, and excretion are not provided, but the drug's rapid onset and prolonged action suggest adequate systemic absorption and a suitable half-life for daily dosing.

Adverse effects

• Headache
• Eye irritation
• Dry eye
• Dizziness

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to bepotastine or any component of the formulation.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether bepotastine is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when administered to nursing women.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.

Formulations

• Ophthalmic solution 1.5%

Mechanism of action

Because of a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction cascade that is triggered by antigen exposure, allergic conjunctivitis occurs. Allergen exposure is followed by conjunctival mast cell degranulation and histamine released as a result of the formation of complementary IgE cross-links on the conjunctiva. Due to the release of histamine, symptoms such as itching can be observed. Bepotastine works to relieve itchy eyes by three primary mechanisms of action. It is a non-sedating, selective antagonist of the histamine 1 (H1) receptor, a mast cell stabilizer, and it suppresses the migration of eosinophils into inflamed tissues to prevent tissue damage and worsening of allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Pharmacodynamics

Bepotastine is a non-sedating, selective antagonist of the histamine 1 (H1) receptor. It belongs to the second-generation piperidine chemical class. It is a mast cell stabilizer and suppresses the migration of eosinophils into inflamed tissues. Furthermore, bepotastine does not interact with serotonin, muscarinic, benzodiazepine, and beta-adrenergic receptor that would otherwise result in adverse reactions such as dry mouth or sonmolence. Onset of action = 0.25 hours; Duration of action = 12-24 hours;