Alcaftadine Ophthalmic

Alcaftadine ophthalmic is an over-the-counter medication used to prevent itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

• Alcaftadine ophthalmic is available under the following different brand names: Lastacaft

Common side effects of Alcaftadine Ophthalmic include:

• mild and temporary burning/stinging/irritation of the eyes while application
• eye redness or itching
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• flu symptoms
• headache

Serious side effects of Alcaftadine Ophthalmic include:

• hives
• trouble breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• mild burning, stinging, or irritation
• eye redness or itching
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, flu symptoms
• headache

Rare side effects of Alcaftadine Ophthalmic include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, light-headedness, or passing out

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic solution

• 0.25%

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Adult dosage

• Instill 1 drop to each eye daily

Pediatric dosage

• Children younger than  2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children aged 2 years and older: As adults, instill 1 drop in each eye daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Alcaftadine Ophthalmic has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Alcaftadine Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Alcaftadine Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Alcaftadine Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Alcaftadine Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Alcaftadine Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• To minimize eye injury and contamination of the dropper tip and solution, care should be taken not to touch eyelids or surrounding areas with the dropper tip of the bottle; keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Do not use for contact lens–related irritation
• Remove contact lenses before instillation

Pregnancy and Lactation

• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk; there are limited data on the use of drugs in pregnant women; advise pregnant women of the potential risk to fetus and mother; treatment should only be administered during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to fetus and mother
• Lactation
  • There is no information regarding the presence of the drug in human milk, its effects on breastfed infants, or milk production to inform risk to an infant during lactation; the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother’s clinical need for treatment, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from therapy