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Compare Lastacaft vs. Acular

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

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.

  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Ketorolac eye drop
  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Ketorolac eye drop

  • Summary of Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is a once-daily anti-allergy eye drop. It was previously available only by prescription, but you can now get it over the counter.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Ketorolac eye drop is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to treat inflammation and pain after corneal or cataract surgery. Ketorolac eye drop can also help with itchy eyes from allergies, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Ketorolac eye drop can be used by adults and children and is typically instilled 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the medical condition. Some common side effects include stinging, burning, and irritation after putting the eye drops. Ketorolac eye drop is available as a generic and as brand name medications (Acular, Acular LS, and Acuvail).

  • Indications of Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Indications for
    •Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
    Indications for
    •Relief of pain or inflammation after cornea refractive surgery in people ages 3 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular LS) 0.4% only
    •Relief of pain or inflammation after cataract removal in people ages 2 years and older- Ketorolac (Acuvail) 0.45% and ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only
    •Itchy eyes due to allergies in people ages 2 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

  • Pros and Cons of Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Used just once daily
    •Can be given to children as young as 2 years of age
    •Doesn't leave weird aftertaste like the similar medication called Bepreve (bepotastine)
    Cons
    •Can cause eye pain and irritation
    •Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
    •Can be more expensive than many alternatives
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for eye pain, inflammation, and itching
    •Causes fewer serious side effects than oral ketorolac
    •Both ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5% strengths are available as lower-cost generics.
    •A possible option for children
    Cons
    •Can cause temporary stinging or burning after using
    •Need to use 2 to 4 times a day
    •Might not be safe if you're allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin
    •Requires removal of soft contact lenses

  • Common Side Effects of Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation
    •Burning and stinging in the eye
    •Eye redness
    •Eye itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging or burning (up to 40%)
    •Eye redness, swelling, or pain (up to 10%)
    •Headache (up to 6%)
    •Higher eye pressure after cataract surgery (up to 6%)
    •Bleeding in the outermost membrane of the eye (up to 6%)
    •Blurry vision (up to 6%)
    •Tearing (up to 6%)
    •Hazy or cloudy corneas (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Common Side Effects for
    •Contamination of dropper tip and solution
    •Contact lens use
    Common Side Effects for
    •Slower healing
    •Breathing problems
    •Bleeding
    •Cornea problems
    •No contact lenses

  • Prices with our coupons for Lastacaft vs. Acular

    Learn more about Lastacaft
    Learn more about Ketorolac eye drop

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