Alcaftadine
Alcaftadine is an ophthalmic antihistamine medication used to treat allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). It works by blocking H1 histamine receptors and preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells, reducing itching, redness, and swelling in the eyes.
Alcaftadine is an eye drop antihistamine that relieves allergic conjunctivitis symptoms by blocking histamine receptors and preventing mast cell histamine release.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- S01GX11
- RxNorm
- 1000082
- Generic
- Alcaftadine
- Class
- atc-s01
- Brands
- Lastacaft
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1 drop (0.25%) in each eye
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 drop (0.25%) in each eye
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1 drop (0.25%) in each eye
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
it is unknown if alcaftadine is excreted in breast milk; use only if clearly needed
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
no special dosing considerations for elderly patients
standard monitoring
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderno adjustment needed
approved for use in children 2 years and older; one drop in each eye once daily
standard monitoring for efficacy and safety
pediatric_age
children under 2 yearsnot recommended
safety and efficacy not established for children under 2 years of age
use not recommended
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
minimal systemic absorption; no dose adjustment typically required
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
minimal systemic absorption; no dose adjustment typically required
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for allergic conjunctivitis treatment
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic use
Route of administration
Dosage form
Alcaftadine is indicated for the prevention and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, providing relief from ocular itching, redness, and swelling associated with eye allergies.
Alcaftadine is an H1 histamine receptor antagonist that inhibits histamine release from mast cells. It also decreases chemotaxis and inhibits eosinophil activation, reducing the inflammatory response that causes allergic eye symptoms.
For topical ophthalmic use only. May cause mild eye irritation upon installation. Patients should remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting. Safety in children under 2 years has not been established.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy