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Overview: Olopatadine ophthalmic is an eye drop used to treat itchy eyes from allergies. The most common side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic are cold symptoms and sore throat. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger.

Uses

What is olopatadine ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Olopatadine ophthalmic is commonly used for itchy eyes from conjunctivitis due to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed (red and itchy) from allergens such as pollen, ragweed, grass, dust, or animal hair and dander. 

Olopatadine ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does olopatadine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Olopatadine ophthalmic is a mast cell stabilizer and an antihistamine. Mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines block histamine release, so they help reduce allergy symptoms, such as itching.

How is olopatadine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Pataday Once Daily Relief
  • Pataday Twice Daily Relief
  • Patanol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)
  • 0.2% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)
  • 0.7% ophthalmic solution (eye drop)

See also: Olopatadine nasal

How should I store olopatadine ophthalmic?

Olopatadine ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 39 F and 77 F (4 C to 25 C). Some olopatadine ophthalmic can be stored down to 36 F (2 C). Follow any storage instructions on your specific product. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your olopatadine ophthalmic. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Olopatadine ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using olopatadine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Worsening Eye Symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, stop using olopatadine ophthalmic and contact your healthcare provider right away.

  • Eye pain
  • Blurry vision or changes in vision
  • Increased redness of the eye
  • Itching that gets worse or lasts more than 72 hours

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use olopatadine ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use olopatadine ophthalmic.

  • Pataday Once Daily Relief
  • Pataday Twice Daily Relief
  • Patanol
  • Olopatadine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific olopatadine ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about olopatadine ophthalmic before using it?

If olopatadine ophthalmic  was prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter (OTC) olopatadine ophthalmic, follow the instructions that come with the product. 

Olopatadine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Do not share olopatadine ophthalmic that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep olopatadine ophthalmic out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Olopatadine ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

An ingredient in olopatadine ophthalmic may be absorbed by some contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, wait at least ten minutes after using olopatadine ophthalmic before you put your contact lenses in your eyes. If your eyes are red and you wear contact lenses, talk with your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least five minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using olopatadine ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if olopatadine ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how olopatadine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if olopatadine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use olopatadine ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does olopatadine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between olopatadine ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between olopatadine ophthalmic and alcohol.

Does olopatadine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between olopatadine ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much olopatadine ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much olopatadine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of olopatadine ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.