Uses for Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution

Nothing feels better, yet hurts so much, as rubbing your eyes when you have allergic conjunctivitis. This condition may also be called allergic pinkeye, but it is not contagious like the bacterial or viral pinkeye. Instead, allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by tree or grass pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, or smoke. The white part of your eyes and inner eyelids become red, your eyes water and itch, and your vision is blurry. This all happens because your body is trying to defend itself against an unknown threat due to a misguided immune response.

Block the Histamine Receptors for Relief from Allergic Conjunctivitis

Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution is an antihistamine that reduces your symptoms by interfering with the production of histamine. To do this, the active ingredient in Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution, called Alcaftadine, locates the histamine receptors on cells in specific areas of your body. In this case, it is the H1 and H2 receptors in the conjunctiva.

Once the histamine receptors have been blocked, your immune system cannot signal for histamine to cause an increase in the permeability of your capillaries or send proteins and white blood cells in order to fight off the threat. The reason for watery eyes is a way for your body to flush out the foreign substance. You may also find you sneeze and your nose runs as another way to wash away danger.

Conditions Treated by Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution

Whether your allergic conjunctivitis is seasonal or year-round, it is next to impossible to avoid allergens indoors or out. There are a few things you can do to limit your exposure to them, however. You can replace your bedding with polyester fiber or cotton with a high thread count, use a memory foam mattress topper, remove carpeting and replace with laminate or tile flooring, and place several air purifiers around your home. As for outdoor allergens, it’s a little more difficult to control what the wind is blowing at you and Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution can help during those times when avoidance is not possible.

Before Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution is Prescribed

Discuss any risks associated with using Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. To determine if Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution is safe for you, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any current OTC or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution Precautions and Recommendations

Remove any contact lenses before instilling Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution and wait at least 10-15 minutes before putting them back in. If your eyes are red, do not wear contact lenses and use eye glasses instead. Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution will cause blurry vision temporarily so do not attempt to drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that may be unsafe with your vision impaired. Store all medications out of children’s reach and never share them with others.

Possible Side Effects of Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution

• Headache
• Increased redness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Temporary stinging after instilling

Drugs Similar to Lastacaft Ophthalmic Solution

• Patanol Eye Drops
• Emadine Eye Drops
• Elestat Eye Drops