INTEREST OF CONJUNCTIVAL PROVOCATION TEST (CPT) FOR THE EVALUATION OFTHE ACTIVITY OF 2 CONCENTRATIONS OF ANTIALLERGIC EYEDROPS, MEQUITAZINE

Purpose To compare the activity the topical 0.05% and 0.01% mequitazin e versus vehicle in the prevention of allergic conjunctivitis induced by a conjunctival provocation test with allergens. Methods Forty subje cts with a history of grass pollen allergic conjunctivitis were enroll ed in this comparative, randomized, double-masked study. Fifteen minut es before the conjunctival provocation test, subjects received one ins tillation alone of 0.05% mequitazine eyedrops in one eye and in the fe llow eye either one drop of 0.01% dose or vehicle, at the same dosage. Then a specific conjunctival provocation test (CPT) was performed wit h the allergen threshold concentration previously defined. The therape utic efficacy was assessed by the decrease in a symptomatic composite score representing the allergic reaction. Results Topical mequitazine at the dose of 0.05% significantly decreases the intensity of the alle rgic reaction compared to vehicle. Moreover, the group treated with th is dose needed a higher allergen concentration to trigger ocular signs . The 0.01% dose appears efficient only on itching, compared to vehicl e. Conclusion The results of this study support the efficacy and the o nset of action of 0.05% mequitazine eyedrops versus 0.01% or vehicle i n the prevention of allergic conjunctivitis induced by a conjunctival provocation test.