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

When your eyes itch, water, and turn red from pollen, dust, or pet dander, you’re not just dealing with annoyance—you’re experiencing bepotastine, a prescription-strength ocular antihistamine used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. Also known as bepotastine besilate, it’s one of the few eye drops designed to block histamine at the source, not just mask symptoms. Unlike older antihistamine drops that wear off quickly, bepotastine works for up to 12 hours with just one drop, twice a day. It doesn’t just relieve itching—it stops the allergic reaction before it gets worse.

This makes it different from over-the-counter options like ketotifen or naphazoline, which can cause rebound redness or only offer short-term relief. Bepotastine is also not a steroid, so it’s safe for daily use without the risk of increased eye pressure or cataracts. People who wear contacts, live in high-pollen areas, or suffer from seasonal allergies often turn to it because it doesn’t blur vision or make eyes feel dry. It’s also used off-label for chronic eye irritation in kids and adults with eczema or asthma, where allergies often overlap.

It’s not a cure, but it’s one of the most reliable tools for managing eye allergies. You won’t find it in a drugstore aisle—you need a prescription. But once you have it, you’ll notice the difference: less rubbing, less redness, and fewer days spent squinting through discomfort. The posts below cover real cases—how it compares to other eye drops, what to expect when you start using it, how it stacks up against steroid treatments, and what to do if it stops working. Whether you’re new to eye allergy meds or you’ve tried everything else, these guides give you the straight facts—no fluff, no marketing.