Compare Astepro vs. Zaditor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Astepro (azelastine)

Prescription only

Zaditor (ketotifen)

Over-the-counter

Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.

Astepro (azelastine) is an antihistamine nasal spray that can help with allergy or nasal symptoms.

Relieves itchy eyes due to allergies.

Zaditor (ketotifen) is the first-choice OTC treatment for allergy-related itchy eyes, but it doesn't treat infections and may not help for more serious allergies.

Upsides

Astepro (azelastine) is good for relieving nasal symptoms during allergy season.
Since Astepro (azelastine) goes in the nose, it's unlikely you'll get side effects anywhere else in your body.
Astepro (azelastine) works faster than steroid nasal sprays and can be used as needed.
People usually tolerate Astepro (azelastine) well since there are few side effects.

Works within minutes to relieve itchy eyes.
Available to buy over-the-counter, which makes it cheaper.
Can use in children age 3 or older.
Unlike pills which can affect your whole body, Zaditor (ketotifen) only affects your eyes, which means it has less side effects than anti-allergy pills.

Downsides

Astepro (azelastine) has 200 sprays, but no counter to help keep track of sprays.
It can cause a bitter taste in your mouth.

Can only use Zaditor (ketotifen) for a short period of time.
Administering the medication into the eye safely may be more difficult for some people than taking anti-allergy pills.

Used for