The FDA has approved Acuvue Theravision with Ketotifen (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care), a daily-wear, disposable, vision-correcting soft contact lens that releases the H₁-antihistamine ketotifen, for prevention of ocular itch due to allergic conjunctivitis in contact lens users. This is the first approval for a drug-eluting contact lens. Ketotifen eye drops (Alaway, Zaditor, and others) are available over the counter.

The 0.15% nasal spray formulation of the H₁- antihistamine azelastine hydrochloride (Astepro Allergy; Children's Astepro Allergy – Bayer) is now available over the counter (OTC) for temporary relief of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose due to allergic rhinitis in adults and children ≥6 years old. It is the first intranasal antihistamine to be approved by the FDA for OTC use. Other drugs that are available OTC for treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms include oral antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizers.

A 0.24% ophthalmic solution of the second-generation H₁-antihistamine cetirizine (Zerviate – Eyevance) is now available by prescription for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in patients ≥2 years old. Oral cetirizine (Zyrtec, and others), which is used for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, has been available over the counter (OTC) for years.

Initial treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).

The FDA has approved Ryaltris (Hikma), a fixed-dose combination nasal spray containing the H1-antihistamine olopatadine hydrochloride (Patanase, and generics) and the corticosteroid mometasone furoate (Nasonex 24 HR Allergy, and generics), for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in persons ≥12 years old. Ryaltris is the second intranasal antihistamine/corticosteroid combination to be approved for this indication; azelastine 0.1%/fluticasone propionate (Dymista, and generics), which is approved for use in persons ≥6 years old, was the first. Both products are available...

The ophthalmic H1-antihistamine alcaftadine 0.25%, which has been available by prescription since 2011 for use in patients with allergic conjunctivitis, is now available without a prescription as Lastacaft Once Daily Relief (Allergan) for temporary relief of itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, and dander in adults and children ≥2 years old. It is the third ophthalmic antihistamine to be approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use (see Table 1).

The FDA has approved Dextenza (Ocular Therapeutix), a dexamethasone ophthalmic insert, for treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Dextenza was approved earlier for treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery.

The FDA has approved Verkazia (Santen), a 0.1% ophthalmic emulsion formulation of the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine, for treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Verkazia is the first product to be approved in the US for this indication.

Difelikefalin (Korsuva – Vifor), an IV kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on hemodialysis. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication and the first KOR agonist to become available in the US. Difelikefalin has not been studied in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

View the Comparison Table: Some Nasal Sprays for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis