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Lastacaft vs. Elestat

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

Key takeaways

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and epinastine (Elestat) are both antihistamine eye drops used to treat red and itchy eyes caused by allergies, but they have some key differences. Lastacaft is available over-the-counter, while epinastine requires a prescription. You only need to use Lastacaft once a day, but epinastine needs to be applied twice a day. Lastacaft is only available as a brand medication, whereas epinastine is available in a more affordable generic form. Both medications can be used in children as young as 2 years old and should not be used to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses. Common side effects for both include eye irritation and redness, but epinastine can also cause small bumps on the eyelid and cold or flu symptoms.

Lastacaft

(alcaftadine)

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Epinastine

 

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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 Elestat

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.

Indications for Elestat

Pros and Cons for Elestat

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

Common Side Effects for Elestat

  • 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%))

Warnings for Elestat

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Lastacaft vs. Elestat

Price Card Drug Icon
Lastacaft1 eye dropper / 3ml of 0.25%
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Price Card Drug Icon
Epinastine1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.05%
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