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Elestat vs. Acular

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Epinastine (Elestat) and ketorolac (Acular) are both eye drop medications. However, they belong to different medication classes. Epinastine is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer, while ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Epinastine is specifically FDA-approved for preventing eye itchiness from allergies, whereas ketorolac is primarily used for pain and inflammation after eye surgeries, with itchy eyes from allergies being an off-label use. Epinastine is typically used twice a day, while ketorolac can be used 2 to 4 times a day depending on the condition. Both medications are available as generics and require a prescription. Common side effects of both medications include a burning feeling in the eye, eye redness, and blurry vision. Additionally, ketorolac may not be safe for those with NSAID or aspirin allergies and can slow healing if used with corticosteroid eye drops.

Epinastine

 

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ketorolac eye drop

 

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Summary for Elestat

Prescription only

Epinastine hydrochloride is an antihistamine eye drop medication. It's used to prevent eye itchiness that's related to allergies. The eye drops are available by prescription for adults and children 2 years of age and older. The medication is placed directly into the eyes twice a day. Side effects include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness.

Indications for Elestat

Pros and Cons for Elestat

Pros

  • Works within 5 minutes
  • Applied directly to the eye(s), so there aren't many side effects
  • Can be used by children ages 2 years and older

Cons

  • Must use twice a day
  • Requires a prescription from a healthcare professional
  • Only approved for preventing eye itchiness from allergies

Common Side Effects for Elestat

  • Burning feeling in the eye (up to 10%)
  • Eye redness (up to 10%)
  • Small bumps around the eye (up to 10%)
  • Itchy eye (up to 10%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 10%))

Warnings for Elestat

  • For use in the eye only
  • Risk for bacterial infections in the eye if you use contaminated medication
  • Don't use while wearing contact lenses

Summary for Acular

Prescription only

Ketorolac eye drop is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to treat inflammation and pain after corneal or cataract surgery. Ketorolac eye drop can also help with itchy eyes from allergies, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Ketorolac eye drop can be used by adults and children and is typically instilled 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the medical condition. Some common side effects include stinging, burning, and irritation after putting the eye drops. Ketorolac eye drop is available as a generic and as brand name medications (Acular, Acular LS, and Acuvail).

Indications for Acular

  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cornea refractive surgery in people ages 3 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular LS) 0.4% only
  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cataract removal in people ages 2 years and older- Ketorolac (Acuvail) 0.45% and ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only
  • Itchy eyes due to allergies in people ages 2 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

Pros and Cons for Acular

Pros

  • Works well for eye pain, inflammation, and itching
  • Causes fewer serious side effects than oral ketorolac
  • Both ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5% strengths are available as lower-cost generics.
  • A possible option for children

Cons

  • Can cause temporary stinging or burning after using
  • Need to use 2 to 4 times a day
  • Might not be safe if you're allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin
  • Requires removal of soft contact lenses

Common Side Effects for Acular

  • Temporary stinging or burning (up to 40%)
  • Eye redness, swelling, or pain (up to 10%)
  • Headache (up to 6%)
  • Higher eye pressure after cataract surgery (up to 6%)
  • Bleeding in the outermost membrane of the eye (up to 6%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 6%)
  • Tearing (up to 6%)
  • Hazy or cloudy corneas (up to 5%)

Warnings for Acular

  • Slower healing
  • Breathing problems
  • Bleeding
  • Cornea problems
  • No contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Elestat vs. Acular

Price Card Drug Icon
Epinastine1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.05%
$30.93$132.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ketorolac1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$17.30$61.84
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