From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is the use of antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen (Zaditor), which can be used 1-2 drops twice daily to block histamine receptors and reduce itching and redness. The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis primarily involves avoiding allergens and using medications to relieve symptoms.
- Antihistamine eye drops like olopatadine (Patanol), ketotifen (Zaditor), or azelastine (Optivar) are first-line treatments, used 1-2 drops twice daily to block histamine receptors and reduce itching and redness 1.
- Mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn sodium (Crolom) can be used 1-2 drops 4-6 times daily for prevention, working by preventing the release of inflammatory chemicals.
- Combination antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer drops like olopatadine 0.2% (Pataday) offer both immediate and long-term relief with once-daily dosing.
- For severe cases, short-term use of topical corticosteroids like loteprednol (Alrex) or fluorometholone (FML) may be prescribed, typically 1-2 drops 4 times daily for 1-2 weeks, but should be monitored by a doctor due to potential side effects.
- Oral antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) at standard daily doses can help with systemic allergic symptoms.
- Cold compresses applied to closed eyes for 5-10 minutes several times daily can provide additional relief. These treatments work by interrupting the allergic cascade, where allergens trigger mast cells to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause the characteristic itching, redness, and tearing of allergic conjunctivitis. Ketotifen, in particular, is a dual-action agent that possesses both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer activities, making it a suitable option for acute and longer-term treatment of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1. 5% is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of itching associated with signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is Bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5%, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist.
- Dosage: Instill one drop of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution into the affected eye(s) twice a day.
- Key consideration: Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 2.
Note: Ketotifen ophthalmic is not mentioned in the provided drug label.
From the Research
Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis
The treatment for allergic conjunctivitis includes the use of ketotifen ophthalmic solution. Key points about ketotifen ophthalmic solution include:
- Ketotifen fumarate blocks histamine1 (H1) receptors, stabilizes mast cells, and acts as an eosinophil inhibitor 3
- Ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution is effective in reducing ocular itching and hyperemia associated with allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4
- The onset of action of ketotifen 0.025% is rapid, within 15 minutes, and the duration of action is at least 8 hours 3
- Ketotifen 0.025% is more effective and better tolerated than 0.05% in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis 5
Comparison with Other Treatments
Ketotifen ophthalmic solution has been compared with other treatments for allergic conjunctivitis, including:
- Olopatadine HCl 0.1% ophthalmic solution: both ketotifen and olopatadine were effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, but ketotifen was more effective in reducing tearing and itching scores 6
- Emedastine difumarate 0.05% ophthalmic solution: ketotifen had a faster onset of action and provided better symptom relief than emedastine during the first 2 hours after dosing 7
Key Benefits
The key benefits of ketotifen ophthalmic solution for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis include: