A comparison of topical mequitazine and disodium cromoglycate in allergic conjunctivitis induced by a specific conjunctival provocation test.
OBJECTIVE
Twenty-two people with a history of grass pollen allergic conjunctivitis were enrolled outside the pollen season in this study to compare the efficacy of 0.05% mequitazine eyedrops with topical 2% disodium cromoglycate.


METHODS
This randomized, double-blind study compared right and left eyes. Subjects received 2% disodium cromoglycate eyedrops in one eye and mequitazine vehicle in the fellow eye 4 times daily for 4 days. For the last instillation, mequitazine vehicle was replaced by one drop of 0.05% mequitazine and 15 min later a conjunctival provocation test (CPT) with grass pollen was performed.


RESULTS
The sum of the scores for hyperemia and itching, and total composite score were lower after 0.05% mequitazine than after 2% disodium cromoglycate (p < 0.0001 in each case). The allergen threshold dose which elicited a positive allergic response was higher in the mequitazine group (p < 0.001). Both treatments showed good tolerance upon instillation. No adverse events related to study treatment occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the superior efficacy of a single drop of 0.05% mequitazine 15 min before CPT compared with 2% disodium cromoglycate 4 times daily for 4 days.
Dupin
O
O
Laboratoire Chauvin, Montpellier, France. odupin@chauvingroup.com
Trinquand
C
C
Persi
L
L
Bousquet
J
J
Robert
F
F
Arnaud
B
B
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010640:Phenothiazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006109:Poaceae; D011058:Pollen / Q000009:adverse effects; D012449:Safety
D000485:Allergens; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010640:Phenothiazines; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium; C006069:mequitazine