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Compare Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

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

Key takeaways

Olopatadine (Pataday) and alcaftadine (Lastacaft) are both over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops used to treat eye itching and redness due to allergies. While both medications work as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, there are some differences between them. Olopatadine is available in different strengths and can be used once or twice daily depending on the strength, whereas alcaftadine (Lastacaft) is used just once daily. Olopatadine has a generic form, while alcaftadine (Lastacaft) does not. Common side effects of olopatadine include blurry vision and dry eye, while alcaftadine (Lastacaft) can cause eye irritation, burning, and stinging. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them. Additionally, olopatadine might be more affordable compared to alcaftadine (Lastacaft).

  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Lastacaft (alcaftadine)
  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

  • Summary of Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

    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

    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 of Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
    Indications for
    •Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)

  • Pros and Cons of Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

    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
    •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 of Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

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

  • Warnings of Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

    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
    •Contamination of dropper tip and solution
    •Contact lens use

  • Prices with our coupons for Olopatadine vs. Lastacaft

    Learn more about Olopatadine
    Learn more about Lastacaft

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