A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled parallel study of loteprednol etabonate 0.2% in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of loteprednol etabonate (LE) 0.2% in reducing the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Design Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel group multicenter study of 6 weeks duration. Participants A total of 135 patients with signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis participated. Intervention All patients received either LE 0.2% or placebo (vehicle) four times a day in both eyes for 42 days. Main outcome measures Bulbar conjunctival injection (primary sign) and itching (primary symptom) over the first 2 weeks of treatment was measured. Results A reduction in severity was seen in both LE and placebo groups for bulbar conjunctival injection (1.5 vs. 1.0 units on a 0–3 scale) and itching (3.4 vs. 3.0 units on a 0–4 scale) over the first 2 weeks. The treatment effect by these measures was −0.5 and −0.4 units in favor of LE ( P ≤ 0.008). Resolution (i.e., the proportion of patients with signs or symptoms no longer present) at day 14 strongly favored LE-treated patients (36% and 15%; 58% and 38%, for injection and itching, respectively). Both treatments were well tolerated. One patient in each treatment group (1 of 67 and 1 of 68, respectively) had an elevation of intraocular pressure of 10 mmHg or greater during the 6 weeks of treatment. Conclusions Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% was more effective than placebo in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% had a safety profile comparable to placebo.