Clinical safety and efficacy of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution to treat allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract

The mast cell-stabilizer–antihistamine class of medications has become physicians’ first choice for treating seasonal allergic conjunctivitis owing to the rapid onset of action, long duration of effect and improved comfort. Bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% (Bepreve™, ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CA, USA) has recently been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of itching associated with the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Bepotastine besilate has multiple mechanisms of action, selectively inhibiting histamine H₁ receptors, stabilizing mast cells, inhibiting eosinophil infiltration, and inhibiting production of inflammatory cytokines or chemokines. Although not approved for other indications, a clinical study has shown that bepotastine besilate reduces nonocular (principally nasal) symptoms and thus may be particularly helpful for people with rhinoconjunctivitis. As per FDA approval, bepotastine besilate is well tolerated and safe for subjects as young as 2 years of age. Bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution provides an alternative choice of treatment for allergic conjunctivitis.

Keywords::

• allergic conjunctivitis
• antihistamine
• conjunctival allergen challenge
• mast cell stabilizer
• ocular allergy
• rhinoconjunctivitis

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Gregg J Berdy has received an unrestricted educational grant from ISTA Pharmaceuticals. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.