General

Pronunciation:
al-kaff-ta-deen

Trade Name(s)

• Lastacaft

Ther. Class.

ocular agents

Pharm. Class.

antihistamines

Indications

Prevention of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Action

• Antagonizes the effects of histamine at H₁  receptor sites in the eye; does not bind or inactivate histamine.
• Also decreases histamine release from mast cells.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Decreased symptoms of histamine excess including itching, redness, tearing.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption follows ophthalmic use.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Some conversion to an active carboxylic acid metabolite, which is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: 2 hr (carboxylic acid metabolite).

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (antihistaminic effect)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• None noted.

Use Cautiously in:

• Contact lens should not be worn if redness occurs
• OB:  Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed
• Lactation: Use cautiously if breast-feeding
• Pedi:  Safe and effective use in children <2 yr has not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

EENT: eye irritation/burning/stinging/itching, nasopharyngitis

Neuro: headache

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

None noted.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): One drop in each eye once daily.

Availability

Ophthalmic solution: 0.25%

Assessment

• Assess signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (redness, itching, watering) periodically during therapy.

Implementation

• Ophth:  Instill 1 drop into affected eyes twice daily. See medication administration techniques for administration guidelines.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to instill alcaftadine drops as directed. Do not touch dropper to eye or to any surface.
• Advise patient to remove contact lens prior to instillation. Do not use alcaftadine for treatment of irritation related to contact lens. Do not wear contact lens if eyes are red. Contact lens may be reinserted 10 min following instillation.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decrease in ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis.