Nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution 2% twice daily in patients with allergic conjunctivitis

In a multicenter, open-label evaluation, 1098 patients with ocular itching and a history of perennial or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis instilled one drop of nedocromil sodium 2% twice daily in each eye. Ocular symptoms, signs, and global improvement were assessed at baseline and 1 month; satisfaction scores, quality-of-life variables, and adverse events were also recorded. Significant improvements from baseline (P<.012) occurred in mean severity scores for itching, burning, stinging, watering, swelling, tired eyes, dryness, gritty sensation, eye pain, foreign-body sensation, and light sensitivity. Physicians reported significant reductions (P<.0001) in bulbar conjunctival redness and swelling. Two thirds of patients (634/954) and three fourths of physicians (710/954) reported at least 75% improvement in overall condition after 1 month. The most common adverse events were burning (2.7%) and unpleasant taste (1.4%); headache (1.2%) and adverse events leading to discontinuation (1.3%) were rare. Patients reported significant improvement (P<.001) in their ability to perform daily activities; 65% were more satisfied with nedocromil than with their typical medication. Physicians would prescribe nedocromil again to 80% of the patients. Nedocromil sodium 2% twice daily was effective and safe for the treatment of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, significantly improving quality of life and producing high rates of user and physician satisfaction.