Lastacaft Eye Drops: How They Work for Itchy Eyes

Itchy eyes every allergy season? Here’s what Lastacaft is, how it works, how to use it, what the label says, and other ways to manage itchy allergy eyes.

The short answer

Lastacaft eye drops (alcaftadine 0.25%) are an over-the-counter antihistamine eye drop. According to the Drug Facts label, they temporarily relieve itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander. Use 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.

Seasonal allergies don’t just affect your nose. They can make your eyes miserable too. If itching is your main eye allergy symptom, Lastacaft eye drops are one over-the-counter option. Here’s how they work and how to use them.

What is Lastacaft?

Lastacaft is an antihistamine eye drop with one active ingredient: alcaftadine 0.25%. It was first available by prescription and is now sold over the counter.

According to its Drug Facts label, Lastacaft temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to:

  • Pollen
  • Ragweed
  • Grass
  • Animal hair and dander

Unlike artificial tears, which lubricate the eye, Lastacaft is made specifically for allergy-related itching.

How eye allergies cause itching

When allergens like pollen or pet dander get into your eyes, your body releases histamine as part of its immune response. Histamine can lead to:

  • Itching
  • Watering
  • Redness
  • Irritation

That’s why it’s so tempting to rub your eyes during allergy season, even though rubbing can make irritation worse.

How Lastacaft works

Alcaftadine is an H1 antihistamine. It blocks histamine at H1 receptors in the eye, which is how it targets allergy-related itching.

Good to know: Lastacaft is for itching from allergies. It isn’t a lubricating drop, and its label says not to use it to treat contact lens-related irritation.

How to use Lastacaft

Follow the Drug Facts label. For adults and children 2 years of age and older:

  1. Remove contact lenses first. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Lastacaft before putting them back in, and don’t wear a contact lens if your eye is red.
  2. Put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. Don’t let the tip touch any surface.
  3. Space out other eye drops. If you use other eye products, wait at least 5 minutes between each one.
  4. Replace the cap after each use.

Before you use it: For children under 2, ask a doctor. Don’t use it if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy, or if you’re sensitive to any ingredient in the product.

Possible side effects

In clinical trials for the prescription version, the most common eye side effects, each in less than 4% of treated eyes, were:

  • Eye irritation
  • Burning or stinging when the drop goes in
  • Eye redness
  • Eye itching

The Drug Facts label says to stop use and ask a doctor if you have eye pain, changes in vision, increased redness of the eye, or itching that worsens or lasts more than 72 hours.

Dry eye or allergies?

Dry eye and allergies can feel similar, but they aren’t the same thing, and some people have both.

Allergy symptoms often include

  • Itching
  • Watering
  • Seasonal flare-ups
  • Symptoms around pollen, pets or dust

Dry eye symptoms often include

  • Burning
  • Grittiness
  • Dryness
  • Fluctuating or blurry vision
  • Symptoms that worsen with screens or dry air

If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, an eye exam can help.

Still not sure? Read Allergies or Dry Eye? How to Tell the Difference.

More ways to manage itchy allergy eyes

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing can make irritation worse.

Keep your lids clean

If your eye doctor recommends daily lid care, a gentle eyelid cleanser makes it easy to clean away oil, makeup and debris along the lash line.

Try a cool compress

Some people find a cool compress feels soothing during allergy flare-ups. Our cooling mask is made for tired, puffy-feeling eyes.

Limit exposure on high-pollen days

Keep windows closed, wash your face after being outside, and change your pillowcases regularly.

Ask about artificial tears

Lastacaft doesn’t replace lubricating drops. If your eyes also feel dry, ask your eye doctor which artificial tear fits your routine, and wait at least 5 minutes between eye products.

Shop the routine

Lastacaft Allergy Itch Relief Drops 5 mL Lastacaft Allergy Itch Relief (5 mL)Once-daily antihistamine eye dropsView drop Systane Complete PF lubricant eye drops Systane Complete PFPreservative-free lubricant eye dropsView drop Peeq Pro Cooling Mask Peeq Pro Cooling MaskCooling gel bead eye maskView product Peeq Pro Foaming Eyelid and Facial Cleanser Peeq Pro Foaming Eyelid & Facial CleanserGentle, tea tree eyelid cleanserView product

See the full lineup in our eye drops collection.

When to see your eye doctor: Itchy eyes are often caused by allergies, but not always. See an eye doctor if you have significant pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, persistent redness, or symptoms that don’t improve.

Shop Lastacaft on Peeq Pro

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Lastacaft eye drops FAQs

What are Lastacaft eye drops used for?

According to the Drug Facts label, Lastacaft temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander.

How often do you use Lastacaft?

Adults and children 2 years of age and older can use 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily. For children under 2, ask a doctor.

What is the active ingredient in Lastacaft?

Lastacaft contains alcaftadine 0.25%, an H1 antihistamine.

Can I use Lastacaft with contact lenses?

Remove your contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. Don’t wear a contact lens if your eye is red, and don’t use Lastacaft to treat contact lens-related irritation.

Is Lastacaft the same as artificial tears?

No. Lastacaft is an antihistamine for allergy-related itching. Artificial tears are lubricating drops. If you use both, wait at least 5 minutes between them.

When should I stop using Lastacaft?

The label says to stop use and ask a doctor if you have eye pain, changes in vision, increased redness of the eye, or itching that worsens or lasts more than 72 hours.

A note from Peeq Pro: We’re not medical providers. This article is for education only, so always follow the product label and your eye doctor’s advice.

For general education only and not medical advice. Always read and follow the product label. Lastacaft is a registered trademark of its respective owner; mentions are examples, not endorsements. Sources: Lastacaft (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution 0.25%) Drug Facts label; Lastacaft Prescribing Information.

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