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Compare Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Olopatadine (Pataday) and azelastine (Astelin) are both antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, but they differ in their application and specific uses. Olopatadine is an over-the-counter eye drop used for relieving eye itching and redness due to allergies, while azelastine is a prescription nasal spray that treats nasal symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose. Olopatadine is available in three strengths (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.7%) and is typically applied once or twice daily, depending on the strength. Azelastine comes in two strengths (0.1% and 0.15%) and is usually sprayed into the nostrils twice a day. Olopatadine is available over the counter, whereas azelastine requires a prescription, although the 0.15% strength is also available over the counter. Common side effects of olopatadine include blurry vision and dry eye, while azelastine may cause a bitter taste, headache, and sleepiness. Additionally, azelastine can interact with alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness, increasing the risk of sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.

  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Azelastine nasal spray
  • Olopatadine (Pataday)
    Azelastine nasal spray

  • Summary of Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Olopatadine (Pataday) is an antihistamine over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop medication used to treat eye itching and redness from allergies. It's applied to the eyes, typically once or twice daily, depending on the strength. Some side effects of olopatadine (Pataday) include blurry vision and dry eye.

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Azelastine nasal spray is an antihistamine that treats allergies and nasal symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose. The 0.1% and 0.15% strengths of the azelastine nasal spray are available with a prescription for adults and children. It's sprayed into the nostrils typically twice a day. Prescription azelastine nasal spray is a lower-cost generic. Possible side effects include a bitter taste in the mouth and nasal discomfort. <br/> Note: Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray is also available over the counter under the brand name Astepro Allergy.

  • Indications of Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergy symptoms related to the nose
    •Year-round allergy symptoms related to the nose - azelastine 0.15% spray only
    •Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies - azelastine 0.1% spray only

  • Pros and Cons of Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works within minutes and lasts up to 24 hours, depending on the strength
    •Can be used in children over 2 years old
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Can't wear contacts for 10 minutes after using
    •Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
    •Might contain preservatives
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve nasal symptoms during allergy season
    •Might work faster than steroid nasal sprays and some oral antihistamines
    •Sprayed directly into the nose
    •Available in two different strengths (0.1% and 0.15%)
    Cons
    •Doesn't have a counter to keep track of the number of sprays you have left in the bottle
    •Can leave a bitter taste in your mouth (but it goes away)
    •Can cause sleepiness in some people
    •Might need to use twice a day

  • Common Side Effects of Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision (5%)

    Note: These side effects were noted by people using olopatadine eye drops 0.77% in clinical studies.

    Common Side Effects for

    Azelastine 0.1% nasal spray:

    •Bitter taste in the mouth (20%)
    •Headache (15%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    •Nasal burning (4%)

    Azelastine 0.15% nasal spray:

    •Bitter taste in the mouth (4%)
    •Nasal discomfort (4%)

  • Warnings of Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Risk for bacterial infections in the eye when using contaminated medication
    •Don't use while wearing contact lenses
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible sleepiness and difficulty concentrating

  • Prices with our coupons for Olopatadine vs. Azelastine

    Learn more about Olopatadine
    Learn more about Azelastine nasal spray

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