Key takeaways
Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and ketorolac (Acular) are both eye drops, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lastacaft is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer used to treat eye itching and redness due to allergies. It is available over-the-counter and is typically used once daily. In contrast, Acular is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgeries, and it can also help with allergy-related itchy eyes, though it is not the first choice for this condition. Acular requires a prescription and is usually used 2 to 4 times a day. Both medications are available brand and generic forms. Common side effects of Lastacaft include eye irritation and burning, whereas Acular can cause stinging, burning, and headache. Both medications require careful handling to avoid contamination and should not be used with contact lenses in place.
