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Compare Elestat vs. Claritin

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

Key takeaways

Epinastine (Elestat) and loratadine (Claritin) are both antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms but there are some differences between them. Epinastine is specifically used to prevent eye itchiness from allergies and is available as an ophthalmic solution, while loratadine is used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes and is available in oral forms. Epinastine is a prescription-only medication, whereas loratadine is available over-the-counter. Epinastine is applied directly to the eyes twice a day, while loratadine is typically taken by mouth once daily. Epinastine is approved for use in children as young as 2 years old, similar to loratadine, but loratadine offers more formulation options, such as chewable tablets and oral solutions. Common side effects of epinastine include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness, while loratadine may cause headache and sleepiness. Additionally, loratadine should not be taken with other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) due to increased risk of side effects, whereas epinastine does not have such interactions.

  • Epinastine
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Epinastine
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Elestat vs. Claritin

    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

    Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine. It's used to ease allergy symptoms, such as runny nose or watery eyes, in adults and children. Loratadine (Claritin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. It's available in different formulations, such as tablets and oral solution. Loratadine (Claritin) is considered a non-drowsy medication because it's less likely to cause sleepiness than some other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Other side effects of this medication include headache and tiredness.

  • Indications of Elestat vs. Claritin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Elestat vs. Claritin

    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 allergies
    •Appears to cause less sleepiness than diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    •Oral liquids and certain chewable tablets can be taken by children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Might not work as well in younger children compared to cetirizine (Zyrtec)
    •Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years.

  • Common Side Effects of Elestat vs. Claritin

    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 (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Elestat vs. Claritin

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Elestat vs. Claritin

    Learn more about Epinastine
    Learn more about Loratadine

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