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Compare Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

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

Key takeaways

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and loteprednol (Lotemax) are both eye medications, 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’s available over-the-counter and is typically used once daily. In contrast, loteprednol is a corticosteroid used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including dry eye disease, inflammation, and post-surgery pain. Loteprednol requires a prescription and may need to be used multiple times a day, depending on the condition being treated. While Lastacaft is only available as a brand medication, loteprednol 0.5% gel and suspension are available as generics. Additionally, loteprednol carries more serious risks, such as high eye pressure and cataracts, especially with long-term use, whereas Lastacaft's common side effects are generally limited to eye irritation and redness.

  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Loteprednol (Lotemax)
  • Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
    Loteprednol (Lotemax)

  • Summary of Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    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 Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Loteprednol (Lotemax) is a steroid eye medication that comes in many strengths and forms to treat various eye conditions including recent eye surgery, dry eye, inflammation, and seasonal allergies.

  • Indications of Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    Indications for
    •Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
    Indications for
    •Dry eye disease
    •Eye inflammation conditions
    •Inflammation and pain after eye surgery
    •Eye inflammation due to seasonal allergies

  • Pros and Cons of Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    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 Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Applied directly where the pain or inflammation is
    •Causes fewer serious side effects than oral medications
    •Available as a suspension, gel, and ointment form
    Cons
    •Slows healing and raises your risk of eye infection
    •May have to be used up to four times a day
    •Most forms are brand name only and may be expensive.

  • Common Side Effects of Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation
    •Burning and stinging in the eye
    •Eye redness
    •Eye itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Burning after placing the drops into the eye
    •Itching
    •Feeling like there's something in your eye

  • Warnings of Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Contamination of dropper tip and solution
    •Contact lens use
    Common Side Effects for
    •HIGH EYE PRESSURE (GLAUCOMA)
    •CATARACTS
    •NEW OR WORSENED INFECTION
    •EYE INJURY OR DAMAGE
    •CONTACT LENS USE

  • Prices with our coupons for Lastacaft vs. Loteprednol

    Learn more about Lastacaft
    Learn more about Loteprednol

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