Efficacy and safety of desonide phosphate for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To study the safety and efficacy of the topical corticosteroid, desonide 0.25% ophthalmic solution, for inhibition of the clinical allergic reaction induced by conjunctival provocation (CPT) and for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC).

METHODS:

For the CPT study, 12 allergic but inactive patients were exposed in both eyes to increasing doses of a specific allergen until a positive bilateral, symmetrical early- and late-phase reaction was obtained. After 2 weeks the last positive dose was readministrated and their positive response confirmed. After an additional 2 weeks, CPT was performed 30 minutes after topical administration of desonide in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye (Group A) or after topical desonide or placebo four times a day for 2 days (Group B). Clinical signs and symptoms were recorded after 15, 30, and 60 minutes, and after 6 hours. Regarding the seasonal study, 96 patients with active SAC were treated bilaterally with either desonide or fluorometholone for 3 weeks, and allergic signs and symptoms evaluated at regular intervals. The safety of the drugs was assessed by identification of any side effects or adverse events of any kind.

RESULTS:

For the CPT study: individual itching and redness, and the sum score for signs and symptoms were all statistically (p < 0.05) and clinically (greater than 1 change between treated eyes) significantly lower in desonide versus placebo eyes. Both early- and late-phase reactions were reduced by desonide pretreatment. Seasonal study: desonide and fluorometholone were both highly effective in reducing itching, tearing, and conjunctival hyperemia over time (p < 0.0001). Both drugs appeared safe, with no statistically significant changes in IOP observed with either treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Desonide has a significant therapeutic effect on both the induced conjunctival early- and late-allergic reaction and in active SAC. It was also safe, with no side effects such as increases in intraocular pressure observed by physician or patient.

• Authors: Andrea Leonardi, Vincenzo Papa, Giovanni Milazzo, Antonio G Secchi
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 21 Issue 5 Pg. 476-81 (Jul 2002) ISSN: 0277-3740 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12072722 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Desonide
• Fluorometholone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Conjunctivitis, Allergic (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Desonide (therapeutic use)
• Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Evaluation
• Female
• Fluorometholone (therapeutic use)
• Glucocorticoids
• Humans
• Male
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Radioallergosorbent Test
• Safety