Safety and efficacy comparison of emedastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution compared to levocabastine 0.05% ophthalmic suspension in pediatric subjects with allergic conjunctivitis. Emadine Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and tolerance of emedastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution compared to levocabastine 0.05% ophthalmic suspension in pediatric subjects.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-masked, parallel controlled study, emedastine 0.05% ophthalmic solution BID was compared to levocabastine 0.05% ophthalmic suspension BID, for control of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in pediatric subjects ages 3-16. Subjects who met all inclusion and exclusion criteria received masked study medication with instructions to instill drops twice daily, in the morning and evening. A diary was completed by the parents four times daily for the first two and last two weeks of the study. Treatment lasted 42 days. Drug efficacy was assessed at the initial administration in the office at Day 0 and after 3, 7, 14, 30 and 42 days.


RESULTS
Overall results showed both drugs have an effect and that emedastine was significantly superior (p < 0.05) to levocabastine for the relief of chemosis on Days 14, 30 and 42; of itching on follow-up Days 30 and 42 (p < 0.05); of redness on Days 30 and 42; for eyelid swelling on Days 14 and 30; and for physician's impression score on Days 7, 14, 30 and 42.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirm previous preclinical and clinical data on the potent and long acting efficacy of this promising new ophthalmic anti-allergic drug, emedastine in pediatric subjects.
Secchi
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padua, Italy.
Ciprandi
G
G
Leonardi
A
A
Deschenes
J
J
Abelson
M B
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010880:Piperidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012449:Safety; D013535:Suspensions
D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010880:Piperidines; D013535:Suspensions; C043345:emedastine; C047340:levocabastine