Alcaftadine
About Alcaftadine
Alcaftadine belongs to a class of antihistamine, and it is primarily used to treat itching/irritation of the eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is a quite common eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction from allergens, especially during hay fever season. Its body’s reaction against substances it considers as potentially harmful.
Alcaftadine contains Alcaftadine. It works by blocking the release of histamine, which is responsible for allergic symptoms. Alcaftadine comes in ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops).
Alcaftadine is for external use only. If you wear contact lenses, remove it before using Alcaftadine, and you can put it back 10 minutes after using Alcaftadine. You may experience irritation in the eyes, headache, mild taste, swelling of the inside of the nose and throat in some cases. Most of these side effects of Alcaftadine are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Take Alcaftadine only if the doctor prescribes you. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. Also, do not use Alcaftadine to treat irritation of the contact lens. It would be best to stop taking Alcaftadine abruptly as it may worsen your symptoms. Do not take Alcaftadine if you are allergic to Alcaftadine or any ingredient of Alcaftadine. Do not take any other eye medication along with Alcaftadine without talking to your doctor. Before using Alcaftadine, inform your doctor if you have or ever had glaucoma (increased eye pressure), any other eye problem, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Alcaftadine
Medicinal Benefits
Alcaftadine contains Alcaftadine, and it is an H1 histamine receptor antagonist. It is used to treat itching of the eyes due to allergies. It works by inhibiting the natural substance (histamine) action that is responsible for causing allergic symptoms. Due to the release of histamine, symptoms such as itching of the eyes can be seen.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alcaftadine
- Eye irritation
- Itching, burning, or stinging of the eye
- Eye redness
- Runny nose
- Headache
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Alcaftadine or any of the ingredients of Alcaftadine, what other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Please do not stop taking Alcaftadine suddenly, as it might worsen your symptoms. Do not swallow this medication as it may cause harm if swallowed, Alcaftadine is intended for use in the eye only. Wash your hands before and after instilling Alcaftadine. To avoid any contamination, avoid touching the tip of the dropper. Do not put to eye medication simultaneously; wait for at least 5-10 minutes before putting in the second medication. If you develop/notice a new eye infection or injury, inform your doctor, change in eyesight, or awful (very bad) eye irritation after using Alcaftadine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Alcaftadine may interact with other ophthalmic medications. Please check with an ophthalmologist.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction established/found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interaction established/found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcoholic beverages with Alcaftadine as it can make you dehydrated and affect the eye's pressure.
Pregnancy
cautionThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. A Alcaftadine should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by a doctor if he/she thinks the potential benefit justifies the fetus's potential risk.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are no adequate and well-controlled studies in breastfeeding women. Caution should be exercised, and it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Driving
unsafeAlcaftadine can cause blurry vision. So, driving or operating machinery should not be done.
Liver
safe if prescribedNo interaction was found. Please consult your doctor for further advice.
Kidney
safe if prescribedNo interaction was found. Please consult your doctor for further advice.
Children
cautionIt is well tolerated in children when used as advised by the child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid alcoholic beverages with Alcaftadine as they can make you dehydrated and affect eye's pressure.
- Visit an optician regularly.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Regular moderate exercise and appropriate rest are important for a speedy recovery.
- Fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins A and C, help improve vision.
- Include dairy foods in your diet that may improve eye health.
- Indulge yourself in aerobic exercise that relaxes eye muscles and the pressure built inside them.
- Consume more leafy vegetables, including cabbage, kale, and spinach, that improves eye health and lowers the risk of glaucoma.
Special Advise
- Remove your contact lenses before using Alcaftadine to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
- Do not put two eye drops together. Try to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes between the two eye drops.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis is a quite common eye inflammation that happens when your eyes come into contact with an allergen. Symptoms such as itching, redness of the eyes can occur because the overreacting immune system causes the body to release histamine and other active substances. As a result, the blood vessels dilate or expand, irritates the nerve endings. Allergic conjunctivitis is different from infective conjunctivitis.
FAQs
Alcaftadine is used to treat itching/irritation of the eyes due to allergic conjunctivitis.
Yes, Alcaftadine is known to cause eye irritation. Alcaftadine contains a preservative Benzalkonium chloride, which is known to cause eye irritation. If it becomes severe, please visit your doctor immediately.
No, Alcaftadine should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. If you take it in more than the recommended dose, it might cause serious side effects. If you think your symptoms are not improving, please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Alcaftadine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Alcaftadine belongs to a class of medicines known as an antihistamine. It works by inhibiting the natural substance (histamine) action responsible for causing allergic symptoms, thereby reducing allergy symptoms.
Alcaftadine may cause blurred vision. However, this effect will be temporarily seen after instilling Alcaftadine and gradually will wear off. Do not drive until you can see clearly.
No, avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 10 minutes after instilling Alcaftadine. This is because Alcaftadine contains benzalkonium chloride (preservative) which may be absorbed by contact lenses.
No, Alcaftadine should not be used simultaneously with other eye medications. At least, a gap of 10-15 minutes should be there between using two eye medications.
Before using Alcaftadine, ensure you’re not allergic to any of its ingredients, remove the contact lenses during its application, and be aware it may cause temporary eye irritation or blurred vision. You should not take any other eye medication along with Alcaftadine without talking to your doctor.
To use Alcaftadine, wash your hands before applying, tilt your head backwards, gently pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pocket, instil the prescribed drops, and close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. If you’re using more than one eye medication, apply them separately, leaving a gap of at least 5-10 minutes between each application.
Before using Alcaftadine, inform your doctor if you have or have had glaucoma (increased eye pressure), any other eye issues, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Alcaftadine to relieve irritation caused by contact lens. Also, let your doctor know if you are allergic to Alcaftadine or any of its ingredients.
The common side effects of Alcaftadine are eye irritation, eye redness, itching, burning, or stinging of the eye, runny nose, and headache. If these side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
