- Olopatadine ophthalmic solution (eye drops) is available as a brand-name drug and as a generic drug. Brand name: Pataday.
- Olopatadine comes as eye drops and as a nasal spray.
- Olopatadine eye drops are used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies.
- Proper usage warning: To prevent contamination, do not touch your eyelids or other areas around your eyes with the tip of the dropper. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are finished instilling the eye drops.
- Contact lens warning: Do not use this drug to treat irritation caused by contact lenses. A preservative in the solution, benzalkonium chloride, may be absorbed by your contact lenses. If your eyes get itchy while wearing contact lenses, take out the lenses, then put the eye drops into your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes before putting the lenses back in.
Olopatadine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and as a prescription drug. It comes in the form of an ophthalmic solution (eye drops).
Olopatadine is available OTC as the brand-name drug Pataday. Brands Pazeo and Patanol have been discontinued. It’s also available with a prescription as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as brand-name drugs.
Olopatadine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to use it with other medications.
Why it’s used
Olopatadine eye drops are used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies.
How it works
Olopatadine belongs to a class of drugs called mast cell stabilizers. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Olopatadine stops mast cells from breaking down and releasing substances called histamines and leukotrienes. These substances cause your body to have an allergic reaction. This reaction can cause symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes.
Olopatadine eye drops don’t cause drowsiness, but they can cause other side effects.
More common side effects
The more common side effects that can occur with use of olopatadine eye drops include:
- blurred vision
- burning or stinging in the eye(s)
- dry eye(s)
- abnormal sensation in the eye(s)
- headache
- changes in the way food tastes
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call a doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- eye pain or itching
- severe irritation in the eye
- change in eyesight
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help prevent interactions, a doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell the doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking.
To find out how olopatadine might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
Allergy warning
This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- trouble breathing
- swelling of your throat or tongue
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms.
Do not use this drug again if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Using it again could be fatal (cause death).
Warning for pregnant people
Talk with a doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother uses the drug. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.
Warning for people who are breastfeeding
This drug may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop using this medication.
All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you use the drug will depend on:
- your age
- the condition being treated
- how severe your condition is
- other medical conditions you have
- how you react to the first dose
Drug forms and strengths
Generic: Olopatadine
- Form: ophthalmic solution
- Strength: 0.1%, 0.2%
Brand: Pataday Twice Daily Relief
- Form: ophthalmic solution
- Strength: 0.1%
Brand: Pataday Once Daily Relief
- Form: ophthalmic solution
- Strength: 0.2%
Brand: Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength
- Form: ophthalmic solution
- Strength: 0.7%
Dosage for itchy eyes from allergies
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (0.7%) and Pataday Once Daily Relief (0.2%)
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
- Typical dosage: One drop in each affected eye, once per day.
- Child dosage (ages 2–17 years)
- Typical dosage: One drop in each affected eye, once per day.
- Child dosage (ages 0–1 year)
- It has not been confirmed that Pataday is safe and effective for use in children younger than 2 years of age.
Pataday Twice Daily Relief (0.1%)
- Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
- Typical dosage: One drop in each affected eye, twice per day.
- Child dosage (ages 2–17 years)
- Typical dosage: One drop in each affected eye, twice per day.
- Child dosage (ages 0–1 year)
- It has not been confirmed that Pataday is safe and effective for use in children younger than 2 years of age.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
Olopatadine eye drops are used for short-term treatment. They come with risks if you don’t use them as prescribed.
If you stop using the drug suddenly or don’t use it at all: Your itchy eyes caused by allergies may get worse.
If you miss doses or don’t use the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.
If you use too much: Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include increased side effects such as:
- headache
- eye irritation
- dry eyes
- feeling that something is in your eye
- change in the way things taste
If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call a doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by using two doses at once.
How to tell if the drug is working: Your eyes should feel less itchy.
Keep these considerations in mind if a doctor prescribes olopatadine for you.
General
- Use this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
Storage
- Store this drug at a temperature between 36°F and 77°F (2°C and 25°C).
- Keep the bottle tightly closed when you’re finished using the eye drops.
Refills
A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.
Travel
When traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
- Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
- You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
- Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.
Self-management
A pharmacist can show you how to correctly use the eye drops. Here are some helpful tips:
- Wash your hands before using the medication.
- To prevent contamination, do not touch your eyelids or other areas around your eyes with the tip of the dropper. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you’re finished using the eye drops.
- Do not use this medication if the solution has changed color.
- If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove your lenses before putting the drops into your eyes. Then wait at least 10 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.
Availability
Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it.
Prior authorization
Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.
There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with a doctor about other drug options that may work for you.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
