This activity was originally broadcast as part of the 2024 Directions in Pharmacy conference.
Program Description
Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) results from inflammation that occurs when allergens come into contact with the most external layers of the eye. Complications may arise due to excessive eye rubbing, coinfections, or inappropriate medication or steroid use. Management of ocular allergies including AC often involves a combination of preventive, nonpharmacologic, and pharmacologic measures, though the variety of OTC products available for treatment of AC symptoms can require navigation and guidance. This program will review available treatment classes of OTC agents that are preferred first-line treatments for AC, including safety and efficacy of dual-activity medications, for pharmacists to guide patients with OTC product selection and individualize care. Educational points about allergen avoidance, OTC medication administration and adherence, and other self-care measures for patients with AC will also be discussed.
Target Audience: Health system and retail pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application
Release date: June 24, 2024
Expiration date: June 24, 2025
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Classify the mechanisms of inflammation involved in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) and the burden of symptoms for patients
- Identify appropriate OTC products for patients with AC based on patient preference and specific symptoms
- Examine individualized treatment recommendations for patients with AC to reduce symptom burden and prevent associated complications
Jason Zupec, PharmD, BCACP
Clinical Associate Professor
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-204-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 24, 2025.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Jason Zupec, PharmD, BCACP, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff: Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Dipti Desai, PharmD, MBA, CHCP; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Aa anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
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