Home Drug Guide Pemirolast Potassium

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Pemirolast Potassium

Brand Names Alamast

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiallergic agent

Pharmacological: mast cell stabilizer

FDA Approved Indications

  • Allergic conjunctivitis

Mechanism of Action

Pemirolast stabilizes mast cell membranes, preventing the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, thereby reducing allergic responses.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: One drop in each affected eye 4 times daily

Pediatric: Same as adults; safety and efficacy established for children aged 3 years and older

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment required; use with caution as with other medications

Renal Impairment: No specific dose adjustment required but monitor for efficacy and tolerability

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment available

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption from ocular administration

Distribution: Primarily localized to ocular tissues

Metabolism: Not extensively metabolized systemically

Excretion: Primarily via ocular tissues; systemic excretion details limited

Half Life: Data not well established, likely short due to topical use

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to pemirolast or any component of the formulation

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with active ocular infections or injuries; inform patients about potential allergenic reactions.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Ocular discomfort, burning, or stinging (Common)
  • Blurred vision (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Eye pain, swelling, or tearing (Rare)
  • Anaphylaxis (extremely rare) (Very rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess ocular condition before and during treatment for effectiveness and adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for injury related to adverse ocular reactions

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; instruct on proper eye drop technique.

Evaluation: Monitor symptom relief and detect any adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Avoid touching the dropper tip to eyes or other surfaces.
  • Report any signs of adverse reactions such as persistent eye pain, swelling, or vision changes.
  • Notify healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve within the expected time frame.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None known

Lab Test Interference: No significant interference reported in laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Ocular irritation, redness, or systemic allergic reactions (rare).

Treatment: Wash the eyes with water; seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable when stored properly; check expiration date regularly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.