Allergy Medications in Eye Care
Ocular Allergy Medication Management
For optometrists and eye care professionals, effectively managing ocular allergies, such as allergic conjunctivitis, seasonal eye allergies, and contact lens-associated discomfort, is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and maintaining optimal visual health. Allergy medications play a pivotal role in this process, with antihistamines providing quick relief from acute symptoms, and mast cell stabilizers offering a preventative approach to reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions. Additionally, dual-action medications that combine antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing properties offer a comprehensive solution for more persistent cases. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed for short-term use in severe allergic conditions, under careful monitoring to avoid potential side effects.
Ophthalmic Allergy Medications
Brand | Generic | Dosing | Amount | Ages | Pregnancy | Mechanism |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ketotifen 0.025% B+L 0.035% | bid | 10mL | >3 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
bepotastine besilate 1.5% | bid | 5/10mL | >2 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
epinastine 0.05% | bid | 5mL | >2 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
alcaftadine 0.25% | qd | 3mL | >2 years | B | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
naphazoline 0.25% pheniramine maleate 0.3% | qd-qid | 15mL | >6 years | C | antihistamine vasoconstrictor | |
azelastine 0.05% | bid | 6mL | >3 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
olopatadine 0.2% 0.7% (Extra Strength) | qd | 2.5mL | >2 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
olopatadine 0.1% | bid | 5mL | >2 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
ketotifen 0.025% | bid | 5mL | >3 years | C | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer | |
cetirizine 0.24% | bid | 5mL 30 vials/carton | >2 years | NA | antihistamine mast cell stabilizer |