Key takeaways
Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) 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. It’s available over-the-counter and doesn’t have a generic form. On the other hand, cetirizine is taken orally and is used to relieve a variety of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose and watery eyes. Cetirizine is available in multiple formulations, including tablets and liquids, and can be found both as a prescription and over-the-counter medication. While Lastacaft is specifically for eye symptoms, cetirizine can treat a broader range of allergy symptoms and is also safe for use during pregnancy. However, cetirizine can cause drowsiness, which isn’t typically seen with Lastacaft.
