Efficacy of Olopatadine Hydrochloride for Treatment of Pruritic Dermatoses

Abstract

We assessed the efficacy of oral administration of olopatadine hydrochloride (two tablets per day) over 2 weeks in 95 patients (aged over 15 years old) with pruritic dermatoses, based on visual analogue scale (VAS) scores obtained at the start of administration and 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. We also conducted a questionnaire-based survey of the patients to determine their satisfaction with the treatment. The VAS score for pruritus was significantly reduced after treatment, regardless of previous treatment. When the patients were divided into 4 groups based on the change in VAS score, the reduction in VAS score was found to be closely related to the answers on the questionnaire regarding the effectiveness, the satisfaction with the drug and the hope for continuation of the drug.