From the Guidelines
Dual-action agents, such as ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor) or olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol), are the most effective medications for treating itching eyes, as they possess both antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer activities, providing quick relief within 30 minutes 1. These medications are suitable for acute and longer-term treatment of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. Some key points to consider when using these medications include:
- They are available in topical ophthalmic preparations and are sometimes combined with a topical vasoconstrictor for acute relief of ocular allergy symptoms 1.
- Antihistamines (H1-receptor antagonists) are available in OTC and prescription ophthalmic preparations and are sometimes combined with a topical vasoconstrictor for acute relief of ocular allergy symptoms 1.
- Mast cell stabilizers have a slow onset of action and may require several days of treatment before optimal symptom relief is achieved, making them more suitable for prophylactic or longer-term treatment of chronic ocular allergies than for acute symptom relief 1.
- Topical NSAIDs, such as ketorolac (Acular), reduce prostaglandin production involved in mediating ocular allergy and are indicated for temporary relief of ocular itching caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis 1.
- Ocular corticosteroids, such as loteprednol etabonate (Alrex), should be reserved for more severe symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis due to the risk of vision-threatening side effects 1. It is essential to note that oral antihistamines are generally less effective in relieving ocular allergy symptoms than topical ophthalmic agents and have slower onset of action 1. Additionally, some other treatment options include:
- Over-the-counter artificial tears to help wash away allergens and lubricate the eye surface.
- Cold compresses applied to closed eyes for 5-10 minutes to provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. If symptoms persist beyond 72 hours, worsen, or are accompanied by pain, vision changes, or discharge, medical attention should be sought as these could indicate infection or other serious conditions requiring different treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Use Temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander. ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS UPTO 12 HOURS EYE ITCH RELIEF The medication used to treat itching eyes is ketotifen (OPHTH), an antihistamine eye drop that provides up to 12 hours of eye itch relief 2, 2.
- It works in minutes and is suitable for ages 3 years and older.
- Another option is cromolyn sodium (OPHTH), which decreases itching, tearing, redness, and discharge, but its effect is dependent on regular administration 3.
From the Research
Medication for Itching Eyes
- The medication used to treat itching eyes includes antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids 4.
- Topical antihistamines, such as ketotifen, olopatadine, and epinastine, are often used to treat itching eyes due to their fast and effective relief 4, 5, 6.
- Ketotifen has been shown to be superior to cromolyn sodium in preventing itching and redness in the eyes 5.
- A study comparing ketotifen 0.025% and 0.05% eye drops found that the 0.025% concentration was more effective and better tolerated 7.
- Other medications, such as epinastine and olopatadine, have also been shown to be effective in treating itching eyes 6.
- Ketotifen 0.025% eye drops have been found to be safe and effective in preventing ocular itching and other symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis 8.
Types of Medication
- Antihistamines:
- Ketotifen
- Olopatadine
- Epinastine
- Cetirizine
- Fexofenadine
- Loratadine
- Desloratadine
- Mast cell stabilizers:
- Sodium cromoglicate (cromolyn sodium)
- Nedocromil
- Lodoxamide
- NSAIDs:
- Ketorolac
- Corticosteroids:
- Fluorometholone