Publication:

Comparison of two ophthalmic solutions of olopatadine hydrochloride (0.1%) and epinastine hydrochloride (0.05%) on clinical signs of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and side effects of the two drugs

Background Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a recurrent, bilateral, external, ocular inflammation primarily affecting young adults living in warm dry climates. The objectives of the research was to compare the two ophthalmic solutions of olopatadine hydrochloride (0.1%) and epinastine hydrochloride (0.05%) on clinical signs of vernal keratoconjuntivitis and to determine side effects of both the drugs.

Methods The study was carried out in 40 patients who attended the out-patient department (OPD) Ophthalmology, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai from July 2007 to December 2008.  Forty patients with symptoms of VKC (ocular itching, ropy discharge, papillary hypertrophy, gelatinous thickening and horner-trantas spots were selected and included in our study.

Results Mean score of palpebral hyperemia at 0, 14, 28 and 42 days in olopatadine treated eye were 2.1, 1.4, 0.8 and 0.4 respectively having p value 0.05. Epinastine treated group mean score of palpebral hyperemia were 0.05 in all stages. Statistically insignificant reduction at day 14 while very significant reduction at day 28 and 42 was observed in epinastine treated eye as compared to placebo.

Conclusions The present study had shown that both olopatadine and epinastine were effective in treating clinical signs of VKC as compared to placebo.