Comparative efficacy of bepotastine besilate 1.5% ophthalmic solution versus olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution in allergic conjunctivitis

Aim: To compare the efficacy of topical bepotastine 1.5% and olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solutions in relieving ocular signs and symptoms of mild to moderate allergic conjunctivitis. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 patients with mild to moderate allergic conjunctivitis and who were randomly assigned to two groups containing 30 patients each. Group A was given Topical 1.5% Bepotastine eyedrops twice daily and Group B was given Topical 0.1% Olopatadine eyedrops twice daily. Relief of signs and symptoms were noted up to one month follow up. Results: Both bepotastine 1.5% and Olopatadine 0.1% were effective in the treatment of mild to moderate allergic conjunctivitis. Bepotastine outweighed Olopatadine in reducing ocular symptoms and signs of allergic conjunctivitis in all the visits during the study, except for limbal hypertrophy at the 1-week visit where Olopatadine showed better results compared to bepotastine. Conclusion: Bepotastine and Olopatadine used in this study are safe and effective in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. However, bepotastine appears to outweigh Olopatadine in resolving signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.