[A multicenter, double-masked, randomized evaluation of olopatadine 0.2% using the conjunctival allergen challenge model in Japanese patients with allergic conjunctivitis].

PURPOSE: Olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.2% (olopatadine 0.2%) is approved for allergic conjunctivitis when instilled twice-daily. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of olopatadine 0.2% (instilled twice-daily) versus vehicle and olopatadine 0.1% (instilled 4-times daily) in Japanese patients with allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS

A multicenter, parallel-group, double-masked, randomized, conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) study. Patients > or = 18 years of age with histories of allergic conjunctivitis were treated with either olopatadine 0.2% or olopatadine 0.1% in a single eye and the vehicle in the contralateral eye at 1 visit.

RESULTS

Overall, 267 patients were enrolled. Olopatadine 0.2% was superior to its vehicle for ocular itching (p < 0.0001 at the time of observation) and marginally superior for total redness (p = 0.0543 at the time of observation). Olopatadine 0.2% was similar to olopatadine 0.1% for ocular itching at the time of observation. No trends were identified through a review of safety parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Olopatadine 0.2% (instilled twice-daily) is safe, well tolerated, superior to the vehicle, and similar to olopatadine 0.1% in preventing ocular itching. Olopatadine 0.2%, which can be instilled less often than olopatadine 0.1%, is a useful new option for allergic conjunctivitis in Japanese patients that could potentially result in better treatment compliance.