This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Patanol Consumer Information
PATANOL
Generic Name: olopatadine ophthalmic (oh low PAT a deen)
Brand Names: Patanol
What is the most important information I should know about olopatadine ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
What is olopatadine ophthalmic?
- Olopatadine is an antihistamine. It inhibits the release of histamine in the body (which causes allergic symptoms) after exposure to an allergen.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using olopatadine ophthalmic?
- Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether olopatadine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether olopatadine passes into breast milk. Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Olopatadine is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
How should I use olopatadine ophthalmic?
- Use olopatadine eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.
- To apply the eyedrops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic is usually applied twice a day with 6 to 8 hours between doses. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
- Store olopatadine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.
What should I avoid while using olopatadine ophthalmic?
- Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses while applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted about 15 minutes after a dose.
- Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.