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Bepotastine Coupon - Bepotastine 5ml of 1.5% eye dropper

bepotastine

Generic Bepreve
Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis
Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Bepotastine (Bepreve) is an allergy eye drop for people over the age of 2. It's an antihistamine medication that helps with itchy eyes from allergies. The typical dosing is to put 1 drop of the medication into the affected eye(s) twice a day. It can sometimes leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth as a side effect, even though you use the medication as an eye drop. You need a prescription from a healthcare professional for both the brand-name and generic version.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 4, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bepotastine (Bepreve)?

What is Bepotastine (Bepreve) used for?

How Bepotastine (Bepreve) works

Bepotastine (Bepreve) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical in your body that causes itchy eyes when you have allergies. This medication also helps stop certain immune cells in the body from releasing histamine.

When does Bepotastine (Bepreve) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBepreve
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$248.58(save 75.67%)
GoodRx discount
$60.48
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What are the side effects of Bepotastine (Bepreve)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth after using (25%)

Other Side Effects

When do Bepotastine (Bepreve) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Unpleasant taste in the mouth

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Red, sore eyes

Incidence not known

Body rash

itching

swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Mild taste in your mouth

Less common

Fever

headache

muscle aches

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bepotastine (Bepreve)

thumbs-up

Pros

Relieves itchy eyes due to allergies

Few side effects

Works within 15 minutes and lasts for at least 8 hours

thumbs-down

Cons

Not available over the counter; needs a prescription from a healthcare professional

Can cause a bad taste in the mouth

Not for eye itchiness or irritation caused by infections or contact lenses

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bepotastine (Bepreve)

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands before putting bepotastine (Bepreve) drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip with hands, and keep the tip from touching your eye or any other surface. This helps you avoid eye infections that can happen if the medication gets germs in it.

    • If you wear soft contacts, remove them before each time you use bepotastine (Bepreve). Wait for 10 minutes before putting your contacts back into your eyes. The eye drops have a preservative in it that can damage the contacts.

      • How to use bepotastine (Bepreve): When you're ready, tilt your hand back and pull your lower lid away from the eye. Then, let 1 drop of medication fall from the dropper tip into this pocket. Afterwards, close your eye and press a finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps your eye absorb the medication instead of letting it drain into your tear duct.

        • If you need to use other eye medications along with bepotastine (Bepreve), wait 5 minutes between each one. This gives your eyes enough time to absorb each medication.

          • You might have an unpleasant taste in your mouth after you put a drop of bepotastine (Bepreve) in your eye. If this side effect doesn't go away or starts to bother you, talk to your prescriber.

            • In general, don't wear contact lenses when your eye is red. Otherwise, it can irritate your eye even more.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Bepotastine (Bepreve)

              Is bepotastine (Bepreve) over the counter?
              No, bepotastine (Bepreve) isn't available over the counter (OTC). You need a prescription for this medication from a healthcare professional. If you want an OTC eye drop to help with your symptoms, you can try olopatadine (Pataday) or Zaditor (ketotifen). They work similarly to bepotastine (Bepreve). Ask a pharmacist if you need help finding an OTC eye drop that can help with your symptoms.
              Is bepotastine (Bepreve) a steroid?
              No, bepotastine (Bepreve) isn't a steroid. It's a type of medication called an antihistamine. This medication stops your body from reacting to histamine, a chemical that can make your eyes itchy when you have allergies.
              Is there a generic for bepotastine (Bepreve)?
              Yes, there's a generic version of bepotastine (Bepreve) available. The generic version of this eye drop works just as well as its brand-name version.
              How often can you use bepotastine (Bepreve)?
              Use bepotastine (Bepreve) twice a day. Put 1 drop into the affected eye(s) each time. Don't use more of the eye drop than recommended since this can lead to more side effects. Ask your prescriber if you have other questions about how often you can use this medication.
              Is bepotastine (Bepreve) good for red eyes?
              Bepotastine (Bepreve) is mostly used to treat itchy eyes related to allergies. It can also help with red eyes from allergies at the same time. That's because it works by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that can make your eyes red and itchy when you have allergies. Tell a healthcare professional if your eyes don't get better after using this medication for a few days. Don't use bepotastine (Bepreve) for eye irritation caused by contact lenses.
              What's the difference between bepotastine (Bepreve) and olopatadine (Pataday)?
              Bepotastine (Bepreve) and olopatadine (Pataday) are both eye drops that help with itchy eyes from allergies. They work in similar ways, but they also have some differences. First, you need a prescription from a healthcare professional to get bepotastine (Bepreve). But you don't need one for olopatadine (Pataday); you can find it over the counter at a local pharmacy. What's more, you use bepotastine (Bepreve) twice a day. With olopatadine (Pataday), there are different options you can use either once or twice a day. Talk to a healthcare professional or eye specialist to find out which one is best for you.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Bepotastine (Bepreve)?

              Bepotastine (Bepreve) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Avoid getting the dropper tip and medication contaminated

              Don't touch the dropper tip of bepotastine (Bepreve) with your hands. Also don't let the tip touch your eye or any other surface. Close the bottle after you use the eye drops. This will help avoid getting the medication contaminated with bacteria and other germs. It helps lower your risk of getting an eye infection.

              risk-warning

              Must remove contact lenses before using

              Bepotastine (Bepreve) has a preservative in it called benzalkonium chloride. This preservative can get absorbed by soft contact lenses and damage them. If you wear soft contacts, take them out before each time you use bepotastine (Bepreve). Wait at least 10 minutes after using the drops before putting your contacts back in. Don't use bepotastine (Bepreve) to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

              dosage

              Bepotastine (Bepreve) dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 1.5% of Bepotastine (Bepreve) is $60.48 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 75.67% off the average retail price of $248.58.
              eye dropper
              Eye dropper
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              5ml of 1.5%1 eye dropper$60.48$60.48
              10ml of 1.5%1 eye dropper$93.45$93.45

              Typical dosing for Bepotastine (Bepreve)

              The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day.

              interactions

              Interactions between Bepotastine (Bepreve) and other drugs

              Bepotastine (Bepreve) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bepotastine (Bepreve). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

              drug-cost

              How much does Bepotastine (Bepreve) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Bepreve (brand)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $60.48

              (save 83.54%)
              Bepotastine (Bepreve) (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $60.48

              (save 75.67%)
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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Bepotastine (Bepreve)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bepotastine (Bepreve). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Bepotastine (Bepreve)
              Used for:
              $60.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Zaditor (ketotifen)
              Used for:

              • Allergy-related itchy eyes

              $8.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Olopatadine (Pataday)
              Used for:
              $13.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Bepotastine (Bepreve) images

              This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
              This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.
              white - Bepotastine Besilate 1.5% Ophthalmic Solution
              This medicine is White Eye Dropper.white - Bepotastine Besilate 1.5% Ophthalmic Solution

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Abelson, M. B., et al. (2009). Time to onset and duration of action of the antihistamine bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solutions 1.0% and 1.5% in allergic conjunctivitis: A phase III, single-center, prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, conjunctival allergen challenge assessment in adults and children. Clinical Therapeutics.

              American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2024). Tips for administering eye drops.

              MedlinePlus. (2019). Histamine: The stuff allergies are made of.

              View All References (1)

              Somerset Therapeutics, LLC. (2024). Bepotastine besilate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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