Elestat vs. Allegra for Allergic Conjunctivitis and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

Get free coupons

Fexofenadine

(Allegra)

Get free coupons

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

Prevention of eye itchiness from allergies

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 Allegra

Over-the-counter

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 for Allegra

Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat)
Treatment of hives

Pros and Cons for Allegra

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