Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »
The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.
What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.
Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.
Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.
ALAMAST®
(pemirolast potassium) Ophthalmic Solution 0.1%
ALAMAST® (pemirolast potassium ophthalmic solution) is a sterile, aqueous ophthalmic solution with a pH of approximately 8.0 containing 0.1% of the mast cell stabilizer, pemirolast potassium, for topical administration to the eyes.
Pemirolast potassium is a slightly yellow, water-soluble powder with a molecular weight of 266.3.
The chemical structure is presented below:
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Chemical name
9-methyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-α] pyrimidin-4-one potassium
Each mL contains: ACTIVE: pemirolast potassium 1 mg (0.1%); PRESERVATIVE: lauralkonium chloride 0.005%; INACTIVES: glycerin, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, phosphoric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and purified water. The osmolality of ALAMAST® (pemirolast potassium ophthalmic solution) oph-thalmic solution is approximately 240 mOsmol/kg.
Serious side effects are not expected with pemirolast ophthalmic.
Commonly, some burning, irritation, itching, dry eyes, or other eye discomfort may occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Alamast »
Before using pemirolast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like lauralkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes...
Last reviewed on RxList: 12/30/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Alamast sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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