Comparison of the topical ocular antiallergic efficacy of emedastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution to ketorolac 0.5% ophthalmic solution in a clinical model of allergic conjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical efficacy of emedastine ophthalmic solution to that of ketorolac ophthalmic solution using a conjunctival allergen challenge model.


METHODS
The conjunctival allergen challenge model was used in this randomized, double-masked, single center, crossover study. The titer of allergen that elicited a positive allergic reaction was selected. After at least 14 days, 36 subjects were randomized into two groups of 18 to receive either emedastine in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye, or ketorolac in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. Ten minutes after drug instillation, subjects were challenged with antigen. At 3, 10 and 20 minutes following challenge subjects graded ocular itching and were assessed for hyperemia in conjunctival, ciliary, and episcleral vessel beds. Approximately 14 days later, subjects received the alternate treatment in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. They were again challenged with allergen and their responses were rated in the same manner. Ocular discomfort was assessed by the subjects after administration of each study drug.


RESULTS
Emedastine significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited ocular itching and redness in vascular beds following topical ocular administration. In contrast, ketorolac failed to significantly inhibit ocular itching or redness in this study. Patient assessment of comfort indicated emedastine was significantly (p < 0.05) more comfortable than ketorolac upon topical ocular administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Emedastine is superior to ketorolac in controlling itching and redness, the cardinal symptom and sign of allergic conjunctivitis.
Discepola
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
Deschenes
J
J
Abelson
M
M
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D020910:Ketorolac / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C043345:emedastine; D020910:Ketorolac