Brand Names: Lastacaft

Generic Name: alcaftadine ophthalmic (Pronunciation: al KAF ta deen off THAL mik)

• What is alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• What are the possible side effects of alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• What is the most important information I should know about alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• How should I use alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lastacaft)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lastacaft)?
• What should I avoid while using alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• What other drugs will affect alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?

Alcaftadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes.

Alcaftadine ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to prevent itching in the eyes caused by allergies.

Alcaftadine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using alcaftadine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burnng, stinging, or irritation;
• eye redness or itching;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, flu symptoms; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Lastacaft (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about alcaftadine ophthalmic (Lastacaft)?

To make sure you can safely usar alcaftadine ophthalmic, tell your doctor about any medical conditions that affect your eyes.

Alcaftadine ophthalmic should not be used to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Alcaftadine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using alcaftadine ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.

Alcaftadine ophthalmic should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Stop using alcaftadine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning, stinging, or other irritation after using the eye drops.