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Compare Lastacaft vs. Claritin

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

Key takeaways

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and loratidine (Claritin) are both antihistamines, but they are used differently and have distinct forms. Lastacaft is an eye drop used once daily to treat eye itching and redness due to allergies, while loratidine is an oral medication taken once daily to relieve general allergy symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes. Lastacaft is only available as a brand medication and is applied directly to the eyes, whereas loratidine is available in various forms, including tablets and liquids, and has generic options. Lastacaft can cause eye irritation and isn’t suitable for contact lens-related irritation, while loratidine may cause headaches and drowsiness. Additionally, Lastacaft is safe for children as young as 2 years old, similar to liquid forms of loratidine. Loratidine tablets and capsules can’t be used in children younger than 6 years old.

  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Loratadine (Claritin)
  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Loratadine (Claritin)

  • Summary of Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    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 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 Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    Indications for
    •Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)

  • Pros and Cons of Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    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 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 Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation
    •Burning and stinging in the eye
    •Eye redness
    •Eye itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Sleepiness (8%)
    •Fatigue (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)

  • Warnings of Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Contamination of dropper tip and solution
    •Contact lens use
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Lastacaft vs. Claritin

    Learn more about Lastacaft
    Learn more about Loratadine

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