Bepotastine: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your eyes itch, water, or turn red from pollen, dust, or pet dander, you’re dealing with bepotastine, a prescription eye drop used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. Also known as an ocular antihistamine, it works right where the problem happens — on the surface of your eye — to block the chemical that causes itching and swelling. Unlike oral antihistamines that make you drowsy, bepotastine targets only the eyes, so you stay alert and functional.

Bepotastine is part of a group of medications called antihistamines, drugs that stop histamine from triggering allergy symptoms. This group includes common OTC options like Zyrtec and Claritin, but bepotastine is special because it’s applied directly to the eyes. It’s not just an antihistamine — it also stabilizes mast cells, which means it stops the allergy reaction before it even starts. That’s why many people find relief faster and longer-lasting compared to older eye drops. It’s not a steroid, so you don’t risk long-term side effects like increased eye pressure or cataracts. It’s also not a decongestant, so you won’t get rebound redness after stopping use. If you’ve tried over-the-counter eye drops that didn’t help, or made your eyes feel worse, bepotastine might be the next step your doctor suggests.

People who use bepotastine are usually those with seasonal allergies, contact lens wearers with eye irritation, or anyone who gets itchy eyes around pets or during high-pollen seasons. It’s not for infections or dry eyes caused by screens — it’s for true allergic reactions. You’ll typically use it twice a day, and most notice improvement within hours. Some users report a mild, temporary stinging when they first apply it, but that fades quickly. It’s safe for adults and children over 3 years old, and it doesn’t interact badly with most other medications, which makes it a smart choice for people managing multiple health issues.

The posts below cover everything from how bepotastine compares to other eye allergy treatments like ketotifen or olopatadine, to real-world tips on using it with contact lenses, what to do if it doesn’t work, and how to spot when your symptoms might be something else entirely — like an infection or dry eye syndrome. You’ll also find advice on avoiding common mistakes, like using expired drops or sharing bottles, and how to tell if you need a stronger solution. Whether you’ve just been prescribed bepotastine or you’re researching options, these articles give you the facts without the fluff.