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Compare Elestat vs. Emadine

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

Key takeaways

Epinastine (formerly branded as Elestat) and emedastine (formerly branded as Emadine) are both antihistamine eye drop medications used to treat allergy-related eye symptoms, such as itchiness and redness. However, there are several differences between the two. Epinastine is still available as a generic prescription medication, while emedastine has been discontinued in the U.S. since 2019 for business reasons, not safety concerns. Epinastine is used twice a day and is approved for use in children as young as 2 years old, whereas emedastine's specific dosing and age recommendations are not detailed due to its discontinuation. Epinastine works as both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer, while emedastine functions solely as an antihistamine. Common side effects of epinastine include a burning feeling in the eye and eye redness, while emedastine was noted for having few side effects. If you need an alternative to emedastine, over-the-counter options like olopatadine (Pataday) and ketotifen (Zaditor) are available.

  • Epinastine
    Emedastine
  • Epinastine
    Emedastine

  • Summary of Elestat vs. Emadine

    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

    Emedastine was an eye drop used for allergies and hay fever. It's no longer available in the U.S.

  • Indications of Elestat vs. Emadine

    Indications for
    •Prevention of eye itchiness from allergies
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Elestat vs. Emadine

    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
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Elestat vs. Emadine

    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

  • Warnings of Elestat vs. Emadine

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Elestat vs. Emadine

    Learn more about Epinastine
    Learn more about Emedastine

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