What is this medicine?
OLOPATADINE (oh loe pa TA deen) drops are used in the eye to treat symptoms caused by allergies.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Pataday 0.2% Solution | ALCON VISION | 2/$96.83 or 7/$273.61 |
| Patanol 0.1% Solution | ALCON VISION | 5/$96.29 or 15/$278.18 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- swelling of the lips, tongue or face
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- bad taste in the mouth
- burning, discomfort, stinging, or tearing immediately after use
- eyelid swelling or eye dryness
- headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without telling your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to olopatadine or any ingredient in the formulation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Stop using this medicine if your eyes get swollen, painful, or have a discharge, and see your doctor or health care professional as soon as you can.
Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. This medicine should not be used to treat irritation that is caused by contact lenses. Remove soft contact lenses before using this medicine. Contact lenses may be inserted 10 minutes after putting the medicine in the eye.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- wear contact lenses
- an unusual or allergic reaction to olopatadine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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