Epinastine Hydrochloride

We previously developed evaluation methods using micro-segmental analysis (MSA) to examine the effects of external environments on drug content in hair and nails. In this study, the effects of the natural environmental factors (water, temperature, humidity, light, and soil) on drug contents in nails were examined and compared with our previous experimental data on hair.

Four hay-fever medicines were used as model drugs (fexofenadine, epinastine, cetirizine, and desloratadine) to evaluate drug stability in the nails. Reference nails containing the four medicines were collected from patients with hay fever who ingested the medicines daily for four months. The nails were exposed to various natural environments for up to four months.

The effects of temperature, humidity, and light on drug contents in the nails were comparatively small. Soil significantly decomposed the nail surfaces and decreased the drug content of the nails (up to 17 %). Water also decreased the drug content (up to 12 %), although no apparent changes in nail surfaces were observed.

In comparison with hair data obtained under the same environmental conditions, light affected drugs in the hair rather than in nails, whereas water and soil greatly affected drugs in the nails rather than in hair. Although the disposition of drugs incorporated in the tissues differed between nails and hair, the analytes were detected in nails and hair strands left in severe natural environments. MSA could be useful for estimating drug-use histories and personal profiles using the nails and hair of a corpse.

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is characterized by inflammatory responses in the conjunctiva and is often complicated by atopic dermatitis and mechanical irritation. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), a severe subtype of AC, presents unique challenges in its diagnosis and management, particularly in pediatric patients. This case report describes an eight-year-old girl with VKC who exhibited poor adherence to a prescribed regimen of 0.05% epinastine ophthalmic solution and corticosteroid eye drops, resulting in persistent symptoms. Despite initial treatment, the patient's condition included giant papillae and thickened tarsal conjunctivae that were resistant to standard therapies. Upon transitioning to 0.5% epinastine eyelid cream, the patient showed improved adherence and partial symptom resolution. However, new limbal lesions, including Horner-Trantas dots, were observed following the cessation of steroid therapy. The reintroduction of steroids led to significant improvements in conjunctival lesions and complete resolution of limbal gelatinous hyperplasia. This case underscores the potential of epinastine eyelid cream in managing VKC, particularly in patients with adherence issues, and highlights the need for careful monitoring and combination therapy in severe cases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of epinastine eyelid cream. However, once-daily application of eyelid cream may serve as a viable treatment and management option for pediatric patients with VKC.