Evaluation of desloratadine on conjunctival allergen challenge-induced ocular symptoms

  1. G. L. Torkildsen1,
  2. P. Gomes2,
  3. D. Welch2,
  4. G. Gopalan3,
  5. S. Srinivasan3

Article first published online: 10 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03224.x

Issue

Clinical & Experimental Allergy

Clinical & Experimental Allergy

Volume 39, Issue 7, pages 1052–1059, July 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Torkildsen, G. L., Gomes, P., Welch, D., Gopalan, G. and Srinivasan, S. (2009), Evaluation of desloratadine on conjunctival allergen challenge-induced ocular symptoms. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 39: 1052–1059. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03224.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Andover Eye Associates, Andover, MA, USA,

  2. 2

    Ophthalmic Research Associates, North Andover, MA, USA

  3. 3

    Schering-Plough Corp, Kenilworth, NJ, USA

*Correspondence: Gail Lynn Torkildsen, Andover Eye Associates, 138 Haverhill St, Andover, MA 01810, USA. E-mail: mdlasik@comcast.net

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 JUN 2009
  2. Article first published online: 10 MAR 2009
  3. Submitted 14 July 2008; revised 21 November 2008; accepted 1 January 2009

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Keywords:

  • allergic conjunctivitis;
  • allergic rhinitis;
  • conjunctival allergen challenge;
  • desloratadine;
  • ocular symptoms;
  • rhinoconjunctivitis

Summary

Background Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is frequently associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) and affects up to 91% of patients with AR. Desloratadine, an orally administered, non-sedating second-generation antihistamine, has proven efficacy and safety in the control of nasal and non-nasal – including ocular – symptoms of AR. This randomized-controlled trial is the first to evaluate the effects of continuous oral desloratadine treatment on ocular symptoms after conjunctival allergen challenge.

Objective To evaluate the impact of administering oral desloratadine 5 mg daily for 7 days on ocular symptoms in conjunctival allergen-challenged subjects.

Methods In this crossover study, adults with a history of seasonal AC and a minimal threshold response to allergen challenge were randomized to receive desloratadine 5 mg daily (n=20) or placebo (n=21) for 7 days after which they underwent a second ocular allergen challenge. After a 2-week washout period, subjects crossed over to the other treatment. The primary efficacy parameter was the intra-subject difference from baseline at end-point in the post-challenge mean composite ocular redness score (the sum of redness scores in ciliary, conjunctival, or episcleral vessel beds). Secondary efficacy parameters included the intra-subject and inter-subject differences in individual symptom scores for ciliary, conjunctival, or episcleral redness; pruritus; chemosis; eyelid swelling; and tearing.

Results The mean composite ocular redness score was reduced at 10, 15, and 20 min post-challenge with desloratadine treatment compared with placebo, though these differences were not statistically significant (P=NS). Desloratadine was significantly more effective than placebo in preventing post-challenge ocular pruritus (P<0.001). Significant improvements post-challenge were also seen in ciliary and episcleral redness, chemosis, eyelid swelling, and tearing (P<0.05 vs. placebo for all comparisons). Desloratadine was well tolerated.

Conclusion Treatment with desloratadine 5 mg daily for 7 days reduced allergic ocular symptoms following allergen challenge.

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