[The prompt effect of emedastine eye drop and the safety of its permanent use in children suffering from acute seasonal allergic conjunctivitis].
BACKGROUND
In the treatment of any disease, it is advantageous if the concentration of the administered drug is highest in the target organ. It follows that, if possible, diseases of the conjunctiva should primarily be treated with eye drops.


OBJECTIVE
The author investigated the effect of an eye drop with selective H1-receptor antagonist properties, on children suffering from acute seasonal conjunctivitis.


METHODS
During the first experiment 20 children (suffering from acute seasonal allergic conjunctivitis) had received Emadine eye drop (containing emedastine difumarate, an H1 antihistamine agent). The severity of the itching of the eye and the grade of hyperemia of the conjunctiva were scored on scales ranging 0 to 4 (score 4 representing the most severe symptoms). In the second experiment 232 other children had received this eye drop during two pollen seasons and the author investigated its effectiveness and side effects.


RESULTS
The conjunctival itching decreased within less than 3 minutes significantly, and the redness was also reduced in an average of 8 minutes. In the second experiment none of the 232 children had to change this drug because of its ineffectiveness or side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Emadine eye drop decreases the itching and the redness of the conjunctiva very quickly and effectively. It is usable even for three-year-old patients, and it keeps its effectiveness during the long-term treatment, too.
Endre
László
L
Országos Egészségfejlesztési Intézet Budapest VI, Andrássy út 82, Budapest 1062. endrelaszlo@freemail.hu
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012621:Seasons; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C043345:emedastine