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Antihistamines in Ocular Allergy: Are They All Created Equal?

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Abstract

Use of topical antihistamines in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis has evolved over the past several decades as our knowledge of the nature of the underlying disease has progressed. Formulations for the eye typically employ H1-receptor antagonists with a dual action, both directly as competitors for histamine receptor occupancy and as mast cell–stabilizing agents. Many of these compounds also display activity against late-phase allergic symptoms. Of the newest available drugs, several have a prolonged duration of action allowing once-daily dosing. Future development is likely to focus on long-acting agents such as these and on drugs that can target additional histamine receptor subtypes.

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Disclosure

Dr. Abelson has served as a consultant for Alcon.

Dr. McLaughlin and Mr. Gomes are employees of Ora Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Schepens Eye Institute, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Mark B. Abelson

  2. Ora Inc, Andover, MA, USA

    James T. McLaughlin & Paul J. Gomes

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  1. Mark B. Abelson
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Correspondence to Mark B. Abelson.

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Abelson, M.B., McLaughlin, J.T. & Gomes, P.J. Antihistamines in Ocular Allergy: Are They All Created Equal?. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 11, 205–211 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-011-0188-5

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