An evaluation of onset and duration of action of patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) compared to Claritin (loratadine 10 mg) tablets in acute allergic conjunctivitis in the conjunctival allergen challenge model.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical efficacy of Patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%) to Claritin (loratadine 10 mg) tablets, in the conjunctival allergen challenge model.


METHODS
This was a randomized, double-masked, single center, contralateral controlled, antigen challenge model study. The concentration of allergen that elicited a positive response was determined at Visits 1 and 2 (itching > or = 2 and redness > or = 2 OU). At Visit 3, 29 subjects were randomized into two groups. Fifteen subjects received Claritin tablet and Patanol ophthalmic solution 0.1% in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. Fourteen subjects received placebo tablet and Patanol in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. One hour after drug administration, subjects were challenged with the antigen that elicited a positive response. At 3, 7, and 10 minutes, itching was subjectively evaluated. At Visit 4, the same procedure was followed as in Visit 3, but antigen challenge occurred 8 hours after drug instillation.


RESULTS
Results were analyzed by eye. Eyes treated with Patanol (concomitant with placebo tablet) had significantly lower ocular itching scores when compared to eyes treated with placebo (concomitant with Claritin) at 3, 7 and 10 minutes in the onset of action evaluation (p < 0.05). Eyes treated with Patanol (concomitant with placebo tablet) had significantly lower ocular itching scores at 7 minutes and there was a statistical trend (0.05 < p < 0.1) at 10 minutes in duration of action evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
Patanol therapy was significantly more efficacious than Claritin in reducing ocular itching related to allergic conjunctivitis.
Abelson
M B
MB
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Welch
D L
DL
D000208:Acute Disease; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003990:Dibenzoxepins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017336:Loratadine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D000069605:Olopatadine Hydrochloride; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013607:Tablets; D013997:Time Factors
D000485:Allergens; D003990:Dibenzoxepins; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013607:Tablets; D000069605:Olopatadine Hydrochloride; D017336:Loratadine