Question
1. What is the clinical efficacy and safety of olopatadine for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis?
2. What is the cost-effectiveness of olopatadine for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis?
Key Message
Pooled estimates from four studies included in a systematic review showed that there was some evidence that olopatadine may be more effective than ketotifen in improving ocular itching, but not tearing, after 14 days of treatment. Data from one recent RCT showed that there was a similar reduction in the composite score (itching, tearing, and conjunctival hyperemia) with olopatadine or ketotifen after 28 days of treatment. Both drugs were found safe in the systematic review and the RCT. There were no studies identified comparing olopatadine to cromolyn, and no cost-effectiveness analyses of olopatadine for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis were found.