Uses
Prescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pazeo) and nonprescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pataday) are used to relieve itchy eyes caused by allergic reactions to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, or pet dander. Olopatadine is in a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing the release of substances that cause eye itching.
Side Effects Of Olopatadine Ophthalmic
Olopatadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- blurred vision
- eye burning, redness, or stinging
- dry eyes
- taste changes
- abnormal sensation in eye
Some side effects of ophthalmic olopatadine can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using olopatadine and call your doctor immediately:
- eye pain
- vision changes
- eye itching that worsens or continues for more than 3 days after you begin treatment
Ophthalmic olopatadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using olopatadine eye drops:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to olopatadine, benzalkonium chloride, or any other medications. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ophthalmic olopatadine, call your doctor.
- you should know that you should not wear contact lenses if your eye(s) is/are red. If your eye is not red and you wear contact lenses, you should know that olopatadine solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before applying olopatadine and put them back in 5 minutes later if using prescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pazeo) eye drops or 10 minutes later if using nonprescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pataday) eye drops.
Dosage Of Olopatadine Ophthalmic
Prescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pazeo) and nonprescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pataday) come as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. Prescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pazeo) is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) once daily. Nonprescription solution (Pataday) 0.1% is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) twice daily, and nonprescription ophthalmic olopatadine (Pataday) 0.2% is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) once daily. To help you remember to use it, use it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ophthalmic olopatadine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
- While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
- Hold the ophthalmic olopatadine dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
- While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
- Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap on the ophthalmic olopatadine dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
- If using another eye product, wait at least 5 minutes after using olopatadine eye drops before using the other eye medication.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription of ophthalmic olopatadine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on ophthalmic olopatadine has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
