Comparison of efficacy of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% and azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% eye drops for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis in rural South India

• Author Details:   
• Vijay Kumar Srivastava
• Kunal Verma

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Introduction: Conjunctival inflammation due to allergy is known as allergic conjunctivitis. Common ocular symptoms may be itching, swelling of eyelids, watering, watery discharge, photophobia and foreign body sensation.
Aims and Objectives: To Compare the efficacy of Olopatadine Hydrochloride 0.1% and Azelastine Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye drops for Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Rural South India.
Methodology: A prospective clinical trial in 74 patients was carried out. Patients by random selection were given treatment by Olopatadine Hydrochloride 0.1% and Azelastine Hydrochloride 0.05% eye drops. Patients were assessed by ophthalmologist 0, 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th day after starting treatment. During visits the symptom were graded from zero to three scale.
Result: The mean age in Olopatadine group was 18± 3.6 years and in Azelastine group was 19± 4.4 years. There were 26 Males and 11 Females in Olopatadine group and 28 Males and 9 Females in Azelastine group. The mean values for the duration of disease in both the groups were 2.8± 2.2 months and 2.9± 2.4 months respectively in Olopatadine and Azelastine group. The symptoms were compared in the two groups on 3^rd, 7^th and 14^th day after starting treatment. The score given by the Ophthalmologist were markedly lower in both groups after treatment during all visits. (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Both Olopatadine and Azelastine reduced symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis very significantly however Olopatadine was more effective.

Keywords: Allergic Conjunctivitis, Olopatadine Hydrochloride, Azelastine Hydrochloride