Alcaftadine: a topical antihistamine for use in allergic conjunctivitis.
Author(s): Namdar R, Valdez C.
Affiliation(s): Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy,
Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA. Rocsanna.Namdar@ucdenver.edu
Publication date & source: 2011, Drugs Today (Barc). , 47(12):883-90
Alcaftadine (Lastacaft®; Allergen, Inc.) is a broad-spectrum antihistamine
displaying a high affinity for histamine H1 and H2 receptors and a lower affinity
for H4 receptors. It also exhibits modulatory action on immune cell recruitment
and mast cell stabilizing effects. The authors reviewed all available
English-language literature characterizing the efficacy, safety and
pharmacokinetic profile of alcaftadine ophthalmic solution. In the studies
reviewed, alcaftadine was more effective than placebo and at least as effective
as olopatadine 0.01% in preventing ocular itching at 15 minutes and at 16 hours
after administration. Alcaftadine 0.025% ophthalmic solution has been approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prevention of itching associated with
allergic conjunctivitis in patients over 2 years of age. Comparative efficacy
data of alcaftadine to other ocular antihistamine/mast cell stabilizers are
limited.
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