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

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

Get free coupons

Loratadine

(Claritin)

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 Claritin

Over-the-counter

Loratadine (Claritin) is an over-the-counter antihistamine for adults and kids. It helps relieve allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. This allergy medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It comes as different formulations, including regular tablets, chewable tablets, and a liquid. Loratadine (Claritin) is a non-drowsy allergy medication because it's less likely to make you sleepy. Other side effects can include headache and feeling tired. Loratadine (Claritin) is available as a brand-name and generic.

Indications for Claritin

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

Pros and Cons for Claritin

Pros

First-choice option for allergies
Tends to cause less sleepiness than some other antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Liquid form and some chewable tablets okay for children as young as 2 years old to take

Cons

Can take 1 to 3 hours to start working
Regular tablets and quick-dissolving tablets not for children younger than 6
Might have a higher risk of side effects if you have liver or kidney problems

Common Side Effects for Claritin

Headache (12%)
Sleepiness (8%)
Feeling tired (4%)
Dry mouth (3%)

Warnings for Claritin

Sleepiness
Accidentally taking too much medication
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets