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Zaditor vs. Acular

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

Key takeaways

Zaditor (ketotifen) and ketorolac eye drops (Acular) are both eye drops, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Zaditor is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergies. It’s typically used twice a day, is available as a lower-cost generic, and is safe for children aged 3 and older. Common side effects include headache and runny nose. On the other hand, ketorolac is a prescription-only, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation after eye surgeries like cataract removal and corneal surgery. It can also help with allergy-related itchy eyes but is not the first choice for this condition. It’s used 2 to 4 times a day, and it can cause stinging or burning. Ketorolac eye drops are available in generic form and suitable for children as young as 2 years old. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use, but ketorolac eye drops have additional risks like slower healing and potential breathing problems for those with certain medical histories.

Zaditor

(ketotifen)

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ketorolac eye drop

 

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Summary for Zaditor

Over-the-counter

Zaditor (ketotifen) is an antihistamine eye drop that's available over the counter for allergy-related itchy eyes. It works by blocking histamine and stopping your body from releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Adults and children can use Zaditor (ketotifen). The typical dosage is one drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily. Side effects can include headache, blurry vision, and dry eyes.

Indications for Zaditor

  • Allergy-related itchy eyes

Pros and Cons for Zaditor

Pros

  • Works within 15 minutes to relieve itchy eyes
  • Available over the counter
  • Can use in children age 3 or older
  • Only need to use 1 drop twice a day

Cons

  • Won't treat an eye infection
  • Shouldn't be used for irritation caused by contact lenses
  • Can only be used for a short period of time
  • Need to take your contact lens out before placing the eye drop

Common Side Effects for Zaditor

Warnings for Zaditor

  • Not to be used with contact lenses
  • Allergy to ingredients
  • Risk for eye infection

Summary for Acular

Prescription only

Ketorolac eye drop is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used to treat inflammation and pain after corneal or cataract surgery. Ketorolac eye drop can also help with itchy eyes from allergies, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. Ketorolac eye drop can be used by adults and children and is typically instilled 2 to 4 times per day, depending on the medical condition. Some common side effects include stinging, burning, and irritation after putting the eye drops. Ketorolac eye drop is available as a generic and as brand name medications (Acular, Acular LS, and Acuvail).

Indications for Acular

  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cornea refractive surgery in people ages 3 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular LS) 0.4% only
  • Relief of pain or inflammation after cataract removal in people ages 2 years and older- Ketorolac (Acuvail) 0.45% and ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only
  • Itchy eyes due to allergies in people ages 2 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

Pros and Cons for Acular

Pros

  • Works well for eye pain, inflammation, and itching
  • Causes fewer serious side effects than oral ketorolac
  • Both ketorolac 0.4% and 0.5% strengths are available as lower-cost generics.
  • A possible option for children

Cons

  • Can cause temporary stinging or burning after using
  • Need to use 2 to 4 times a day
  • Might not be safe if you're allergic to NSAIDs or aspirin
  • Requires removal of soft contact lenses

Common Side Effects for Acular

  • Temporary stinging or burning (up to 40%)
  • Eye redness, swelling, or pain (up to 10%)
  • Headache (up to 6%)
  • Higher eye pressure after cataract surgery (up to 6%)
  • Bleeding in the outermost membrane of the eye (up to 6%)
  • Blurry vision (up to 6%)
  • Tearing (up to 6%)
  • Hazy or cloudy corneas (up to 5%)

Warnings for Acular

  • Slower healing
  • Breathing problems
  • Bleeding
  • Cornea problems
  • No contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Zaditor vs. Acular

Price Card Drug Icon
Ketotifen1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.025%
$10.65$13.33
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ketorolac1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.5%
$17.30$60.22
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