Alcaftadine

Information about Alcaftadine

Alcaftadine uses

Alcaftadine is used in the treatment of allergic eye disease.

How alcaftadine works

Alcaftadine is an antihistaminic medication. It treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body.

Common side effects of alcaftadine

Eye irritation, Itching, Stinging in the eyes, Burning eyes

Available Medicine for Alcaftadine

  • ₹287
    Ajanta Pharma Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹221
    Vaqure Remedies
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹288
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹256
    Micro Labs Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹255
    Care Formulation Labs Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹225
    Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹194
    Sunways India Pvt Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹220
    Nri Vision Care India Limited
    1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Alcaftadine

  • Your doctor has prescribed Alcaftadine to treat inflammation (redness and swelling) due to allergies of the eye.
  • It treats short-term or sudden allergic reactions in the eye.
  • Apply pressure on the corner of the eye (close to the nose) for about 1 minute immediately after instilling the drop.
  • Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before delivering the next medication in the same eye to avoid dilution.
  • Stinging sensation may occur for 1-2 mins. Notify your doctor if it persists for longer.
  • Make sure to use within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.
  • Your doctor has prescribed Alcaftadine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
  • As compared to other similar medications, it is much less likely to make you feel sleepy.
  • Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
  • Stop taking Alcaftadine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.

Frequently asked questions for Alcaftadine

Alcaftadine

Q. What is Alcaftadine? What is it used for?
Alcaftadine belongs to the class of medicines known as H1 antihistamines. It is used to prevent and treat symptoms of eye allergies such as itching, redness, irritation or burning sensation.
Q. What should I know before using Alcaftadine?
Before using Alcaftadine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to Alcaftadine or any of its ingredients to avoid any allergic reactions. Let your doctor know if you have, or have had any problems with your eyes. Inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding to prevent any harmful effects on the baby. Do not use this medicine to treat irritation caused by wearing contact lenses or while wearing contact lenses. This is because Alcaftadine can cause discoloration of the soft lenses.
Q. How does Alcaftadine work?
Alcaftadine works by blocking the release of a naturally occuring substance in our body known as histamine, that is responsible for producing symptoms of allergies such as itching, watery eyes, redness and irritation in the eyes.
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Q. How to use Alcaftadine?
Remember to wash your hands before and after application of Alcaftadine. Do not touch the eye with the dropper or the tip of the ointment tube. Try to use it at about the same time each day. Use the prescribed number of drops or the right amount of ointment. Do not use more medicine than directed and do not use more often than directed. Do not stop using Alcaftadine unless directed by your doctor and try not to miss any doses.
Q. What other precautions should I take while using Alcaftadine?
If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using Alcaftadine and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. Do not touch the tip to any surface, or to your eye, to avoid contamination.

Content on this page was last updated on 11 May, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)