Comparison of olopatadin and ketotifen in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy of olopatadine 0.1 % and ketotifen 0.025 % ophthalmic solutions in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS:

Forty patients with allergic conjunctivitis were included in the study, they were randomized in two groups: G-I (n = 20) olopatadine 0.1 % and G-II (n = 20) ketotifen 0.025 %, both receiving one drop every 12 hours. We evaluated itching, burning, tearing, redness and chemosis previously and 30 minutes, one, two and four week after.

RESULTS:

Age G-I was 19.7 +/- 6.7 years; G-II, 21.05 +/- 8.3 years. When evaluating itching, olopatadine had a significant improvement at 30 minutes and after one week (p < 0.05). In the following weeks, the results were similar in both groups. Olopatadine showed significant improvement in burning at 30 minutes, one and two week (p < 0.05). Tearing significantly decreased at 30 minutes with olopatadine (p < 0.05). There was no difference in redness or chemosis improvement in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, olopatadine 0.1 % was more effective than topical ketotifen 0.025 % in improving itching, tearing and burning in allergic conjunctivitis patients.