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

BrandGenericDosingAmountAgesPregnancyMechanism
Alaway
GenericOTC
ketotifen 0.025%
B+L 0.035%
bid10mL>3 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Bepreve
bepotastine besilate 1.5%bid5/10mL>2 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Elestat
Generic
epinastine 0.05%bid5mL>2 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Lastacaft
GenericOTC
alcaftadine 0.25%qd3mL>2 yearsBantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Opcon-A
GenericOTC
naphazoline 0.25%
pheniramine maleate 0.3%
qd-qid15mL>6 yearsCantihistamine
vasoconstrictor
Optivar
Generic
azelastine 0.05%bid6mL>3 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Pataday Once Daily Relief
GenericOTC
olopatadine 0.2%
0.7% (Extra Strength)
qd2.5mL>2 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Pataday Twice Daily Relief
GenericOTC
olopatadine 0.1%bid5mL>2 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Zaditor
GenericOTC
ketotifen 0.025%bid5mL>3 yearsCantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer
Zerviate
Generic
cetirizine 0.24%bid5mL
30 vials/carton
>2 yearsNAantihistamine
mast cell stabilizer