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Compare Olopatadine vs. Elestat

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

Key takeaways

Olopatadine (Pataday) and epinastine (Elestat) are both antihistamine eye drops used to treat red and itchy eyes caused by allergies. However, there are some key differences between them. Olopatadine is available over-the-counter (OTC) in three different strengths, while epinastine requires a prescription. Olopatadine can be used once or twice daily depending on the strength, whereas epinastine is typically used twice a day. Both medications start working within minutes, with relief with epinastine lasting about 8 hours. On the other hand, the effects of olopatadine can last up to 24 hours. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use and wait 10 minutes before reinserting them. Common side effects of olopatadine include blurry vision and dry eye, while epinastine may cause a burning sensation, red eyes, and itchy eyes. They are both available as generics, but epinastine typically costs more than similar eye drops, including olopatadine.

  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Epinastine
  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Epinastine

  • Summary of Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Olopatadine (Pataday) is an antihistamine over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop medication used to treat eye itching and redness from allergies. It's applied to the eyes, typically once or twice daily, depending on the strength. Some side effects of olopatadine (Pataday) include blurry vision and dry eye.

    Summary for Antihistamine
    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 of Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
    Indications for
    •Prevention of eye itchiness from allergies

  • Pros and Cons of Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works within minutes and lasts up to 24 hours, depending on the strength
    •Can be used in children over 2 years old
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Can't wear contacts for 10 minutes after using
    •Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
    •Might contain preservatives
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    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 of Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision (5%)

    Note: These side effects were noted by people using olopatadine eye drops 0.77% in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Risk for bacterial infections in the eye when using contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Olopatadine vs. Elestat

    Learn more about Olopatadine
    Learn more about Epinastine

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