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

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)

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Loratadine

(Claritin)

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Summary for Lastacaft

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Lastacaft

Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)

Pros and Cons for Lastacaft

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

Common Side Effects for Lastacaft

Eye irritation
Burning and stinging in the eye
Eye redness
Eye itching

Warnings for Lastacaft

Contamination of dropper tip and solution
Contact lens use

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