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Pronunciation:

(pe MIR oh last)

U.S. Brand Names:

Alamast®

Generic Available:

Canadian Brand Names:

Alamast®

Use:

Prevention of itching of the eye due to allergic conjunctivitis

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

Pregnancy Implications:

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Lactation:

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to pemirolast or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions:

Safety and efficacy in children <3 years of age have not been established; not for injection or oral use; ophthalmic use only; not indicated to treat contact lens irritation; do not wear contact lens if eye is red. In nonred eyes, soft contact lenses should not be applied for 10 minutes after the instillation of pemirolast potassium to avoid absorption of lauralkonium chloride (a preservative in Alamast™).

Adverse Reactions:

>10%:

Central nervous system: Headache (10% to 25%)

Respiratory: Rhinitis (10% to 25%)

Miscellaneous: Cold/flu symptoms (10% to 25%)

<5%:

Central nervous system: Fever

Endocrine & metabolic: Dysmenorrhea

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain

Ocular: Burning eyes, dry eyes, foreign body sensation, ocular discomfort

Respiratory: Bronchitis, cough, sinusitis, sneezing/nasal congestion

Overdosage/Toxicology:

No reports of overdose. A 10 mL bottle is equal to 10 mg of pemirolast potassium if ingested orally.

Drug Interactions:

None reported

Stability:

Store at room temperature of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Mechanism of Action:

Mast cell stabilizer that inhibits the in vivo type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction; in addition, inhibits chemotaxis of eosinophils into the ocular tissue and blocks their release of mediators; also reported to prevent calcium influx into mast cells following antigen stimulation

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics:

Onset of action: A few days

Peak effect: 4 weeks

Absorption: Systemic

Half-life elimination: 4.5 hours

Excretion: Urine (10% to 15%)

Dosage:

Children >3 years and Adults: 1-2 drops instilled in affected eye(s) 4 times/day

Patient Education:

Decreased itching may occur within a few days, however, longer treatment (up to 4 weeks) is frequently required. Do not use to treat contact lens irritation; do not wear contact lenses if eyes are red. Soft contact lens wearers using pemirolast in nonred eyes should wait at least 10 minutes after application before inserting contact lenses to avoid absorption of the preservative, lauralkonium chloride. In order to prevent contamination, do not allow the dropper tip to touch the eyelid or surrounding areas. When not in use, keep bottle tightly closed.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment:

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions:

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status:

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment:

None reported

Dosage Forms:

Solution, ophthalmic, as potassium: 0.1% (10 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride]

International Brand Names:

Alamast™ (CA)

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