Alcaftadine

Class: Antiallergic Agents
- Histamine H1-receptor Antagonists
Chemical Name: 6,11-dihydro-11-(1-methyl-4-piperidinylidene)-5H-imidazo[2,1-b] [3] benzazepine-3-carboxaldehyde
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₂₁N₃O
CAS Number: 147084-10-4
Brands: Lastacaft

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 26, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Histamine H₁-receptor antagonist.

Uses for Alcaftadine

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Prevention of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Alcaftadine Dosage and Administration

Administration

Apply topically to the eye as an ophthalmic solution. For topical ophthalmic use only.

Ophthalmic Administration

Remove contact lenses prior to each dose (since benzalkonium chloride preservative may be absorbed by soft lenses); may reinsert lenses after 10 minutes following administration if eyes are not red.

Avoid contamination of the solution container.

Dosage

Pediatric Patients

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Ophthalmic

Children ≥2 years of age: 1 drop of a 0.25% solution in each eye once daily.

Adults

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Ophthalmic

1 drop of a 0.25% solution in each eye once daily.

Special Populations

No special population recommendations at this time.

Cautions for Alcaftadine

Contraindications

• Manufacturer states none known.

Warnings/Precautions

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category B.

Lactation

Not known whether alcaftadine is distributed into milk. Use with caution.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age. Safety evaluated in children ≥3 years of age; efficacy in children 2–9 years of age extrapolated from demonstrated efficacy in adults and children ≥10 years of age.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger patients.

Common Adverse Effects

Ocular effects: Irritation, burning, and/or stinging upon instillation; redness; pruritus.

Nonocular effects: Nasopharyngitis, headache, influenza.

Interactions for Alcaftadine

No formal drug interaction studies to date.

Not metabolized by CYP enzymes; does not substantially inhibit major CYP enzymes in vitro.

Alcaftadine Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Appears rapidly in systemic circulation ..