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Compare Elestat vs. Allegra

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

Key takeaways

Epinastine (Elestat) and fexofenadine (Allegra) are both antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms. Epinastine is specifically used as an eye drop to prevent eye itchiness from allergies, while fexofenadine is taken orally to relieve general allergy symptoms and hives. Epinastine is available by prescription only and is applied directly to the eyes twice a day, whereas fexofenadine can be purchased over-the-counter in various forms, such as tablets and liquid, and is taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation. Epinastine works quickly, within 5 minutes, but its effects last about 8 hours, while fexofenadine takes about 2 hours to start working and can last up to 24 hours. Common side effects of epinastine include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness, while fexofenadine may cause headaches and dry mouth. Additionally, fexofenadine should not be taken with fruit juices or certain antacids, as these can affect how well the medication is absorbed.

  • Epinastine
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Epinastine
    Fexofenadine (Allegra)

  • Summary of Elestat vs. Allegra

    Summary for Antihistamine
    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.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Fexofenadine (Allegra) is an antihistamine. It's used to ease symptoms of allergy and hives in adults and children. Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be found over the counter as a tablet, fast-melting tablet, and liquid. This medication is taken once or twice per day, depending on the formulation. Fexofenadine (Allegra) starts to work in about 2 hours and its effects can last up to 24 hours. Fexofenadine (Allegra) doesn't make you as drowsy compared to some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other possible side effects of fexofenadine (Allegra) include headache and dry mouth.

  • Indications of Elestat vs. Allegra

    Indications for
    •Prevention of eye itchiness from allergies
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
    •Treatment of hives

  • Pros and Cons of Elestat vs. Allegra

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    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
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Some products can also be used to relieve itchiness from hives.
    •Available as 12-hour and 24-hour tablets, as well as a liquid and quick-dissolving tablets for those who have a hard time swallowing pills
    •All formulations available over the counter
    Cons
    •Liquid form might not be the best choice for people on a low-salt diet because it contains sodium
    •Once-daily formulations not recommended for children younger than 12 years old
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Can cause headache

  • Common Side Effects of Elestat vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%))
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Elestat vs. Allegra

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablet only

  • Prices with our coupons for Elestat vs. Allegra

    Learn more about Epinastine
    Learn more about Fexofenadine

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