Evaluation of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

During peak ragweed season, 86 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis participated in a 9-week, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled, group-comparative study testing the efficacy and safety of bid nedocromil sodium, 2% ophthalmic solution. The clinical effectiveness of nedocromil sodium was measured by analyzing the means of patient daily symptom scores and eye examinations after 1, 3, 5, and 8 weeks of treatment. The use of nedocromil sodium during peak ragweed pollen season reduced symptom scores with statistically significant treatment differences as compared with the placebo for itchy eyes, tearing, overall eye condition, and symptom summary score. Clinician assessments also favored the use of nedocromil sodium as indicated by significant improvements in tearing, conjunctival injection, and conjunctival edema. No significant side effects were reported by the patients, allergists, or ophthalmologists. We conclude that nedocromil sodium, 2% ophthalmic solution, administered bid is more effective in the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis than placebo and causes no major side effects.