Alcaftadine is an antihistamine that works by inhibiting the effects of the body's natural chemical histamine. Some of the symptoms that histamine produces are itchy or watery eyes.
The drug is used for the prevention of itching in the eyes caused due to allergies. But this drug should not be used for the treatment of eye irritation caused due to eye lenses. Also, alcaftadine is an H1 histamine receptor antagonist that is used to treat itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
What are the Uses of Alcaftadine Eye Drops?
The medication inhibits histamine, a natural substance that triggers allergic symptoms. It targets inflammatory substances produced by eye cells that cause allergic reactions.
Itchy, red, watery eyes caused by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Secondary Benefits of Alcaftadine
Prevents eye irritation due to seasonal allergies
May help reduce eye swelling and discomfort in some allergic reactions (off-label)
Do not use this medicine for red or irritated eyes from contact lenses; consult your doctor for guidance in such cases.
How to Use Alcaftadine Eye Drops?
Ophthalmic alcaftadine is administered as a liquid solution directly into the eye.
Typically, it is applied once daily into the affected eye as directed by your doctor.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops to prevent contamination.
Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to prevent contamination.
Contact lenses can absorb the preservative in this product; remove them before using the drops and wait at least 10 minutes after each dose before reinserting them.
If your eyes are red, avoid using contact lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch.
Place one drop into the pouch, hold the dropper directly over your eye as instructed by your doctor.
Close your eyes gently and apply light pressure to the corner of your eye near the nose for 1 to 2 minutes to prevent the medication from draining out before opening your eyes.
How Does Alcaftadine Work?
Alcaftadine is an antihistamine eye drop. The Alcaftadine mechanism of action works by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Histamine causes itchy, red, and watery eyes.
By stopping histamine from working, Alcaftadine helps:
Prevent and relieve eye allergy symptoms
Reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes
Alcaftadine Dosage
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
As soon as you remember, use the missing dose. If it's time for the next dose, skip the skipped dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not offer a double dose.
What happens if an Overdose?
Overdose of an eye drop can lead to severe side effects like headache, eye irritation and dry eyes. Talk with your doctor immediately if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of Alcaftadine Overdose
Alcaftadine overdose is rare, especially with eye drops, but if it happens, you may experience:
Eye irritation or redness
Blurred vision
Excessive tearing or dryness
Headache or dizziness (if swallowed in large amounts)
Nausea (rare, from accidental ingestion)
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Alcaftadine can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Serious but Rare Side Effects of Alcaftadine
Though uncommon, some people may experience serious side effects, including:
Eye pain or swelling
Severe eye redness or discharge
Blurred or decreased vision
Allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), or trouble breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the drops and contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions and Warnings
Before using Alcaftadine, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or related medications. The drug may contain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions or other problems.
Inform your doctor about any medical history, especially eye irritation, eye infections, or if you use contact lenses. After using the drug, vision may become blurred temporarily.
Who should avoid this medicine?
Pregnancy Breastfeeding:
During pregnancy, if you are using this drug then talk with your doctor immediately. The drug should be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. Alcaftadine eye drop doesn't have any side effects while breastfeeding. But before using any medication talk with your doctor immediately.
Conditions where caution is needed
Use Alcaftadine eye drops with caution if you have:
Eye infections or injuries
Allergies to antihistamines or preservatives in eye drops
Severe dry eye conditions
Pregnancy or breastfeeding use only if prescribed by your doctor
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Alcaftadine?
Alcaftadine is approved for use in children aged 2 years and older.
It is not recommended for children under 2 without medical advice.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any eye infections or injuries while using Alcaftadine.
Possible Interactions with Alcaftadine
Alcaftadine is an eye drop and generally has minimal interaction with other medications.
However, using other eye drops or allergy medications at the same time may affect how well Alcaftadine works.
Inform your doctor if you are using:
Other antihistamine eye drops
Glaucoma medications
Steroid eye drops
Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid any unexpected interactions.
How Should Alcaftadine Be Stored?
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children s reach.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Alcaftadine
Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
What Happens If Alcaftadine Is Not Stored Properly?
The medicine may lose effectiveness if exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture.
Improper storage can cause the solution to break down or become contaminated, potentially leading to eye irritation or infection.
Using degraded drops may not effectively relieve allergy symptoms.
Alcaftadine vs Olopatadine
Alcaftadine
Olopatadine
Alcaftadine is an antihistamine that works by inhibiting the effects of the body's natural chemical histamine. Some of the symptoms that histamine produces are itchy or watery eyes.
Olopatadine is a prescription drug that comes in the form of ophthalmic solutions. The drug is available in various brand-name drugs called pazeo, patanol and pataday.
This drug is used to prevent allergies from causing scratching in the eyes. It functions by inhibiting the action of a natural product called histamine, which triggers allergic symptoms.
Olopatadine ophthalmic (eye) drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, which causes inflammation in the eyes (pink eye)
Some of the common major side effects of Alcaftadine are:
Mild or temporary burning sensation of eyes
Eye redness or itching
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Some of the common and major side effects of Olopatadine are:
No, Alcaftadine is not a steroid. It is an antihistamine eye drop used to relieve allergy symptoms.
Yes, Alcaftadine acts as both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer, helping prevent the release of allergy-causing chemicals.
Both are effective antihistamine eye drops. The choice depends on your specific symptoms and doctor’s advice, as they work similarly to treat eye allergies.
Yes, Olopatadine is generally safe for most people when used as directed, but consult your doctor if you have eye infections or sensitivities.
Yes, Alcaftadine is commonly prescribed to treat allergic conjunctivitis and relieve itching, redness, and watery eyes caused by allergies.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
