Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and tolerance to the topical use of 0.05% ketotifen fumarate and 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: A masked, randomized clinical study was performed in order to compare the efficacy, safety and side effects of the use of 0.05% ketotifen fumarate and 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions for the alleviation of symptoms and signs in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Thirty-four patients, fulfilling the inclusion criteria of the protocol were divided into two groups and received a flask with the masked drug, instilling one drop twice daily in each eye for 30 days. Signs and symptoms of these patients were evaluated on a visit before treatment and on five visits during the treatment (days 1, 2, 7, 14 and 30). Results: Severity of allergic conjunctivitis was the same in both studied groups. Both ketotifen and olopatadine were equivalent and efficient regarding decrease in itching, burning and lacrimation symptoms. Bulbar conjunctival hyperemia was attenuated in both groups. Evaluation of adverse reactions showed the occurrence of burning on administration of both drugs and ketotifen led to occurrence of itching. No hypersensitivity reaction to the studied drugs was observed. Conclusions: This study evidences that 0.05% ketotifen fumarate and 0.1% olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions, when instilled twice daily for 30 days, were efficient and safe regarding alleviation of the main symptoms and signs of allergic conjunctivitis.
Ketotifen; Dibenzoxepins; Ophthalmic solutions; Conjunctivitis, allergic
