Comparing Pataday Eye Drops: Extra Strength (Pazeo), Once Daily (Pataday), and Twice Daily (Patanol)
Key takeaways:
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength, Pataday Once Daily Relief, and Pataday Twice Daily Relief are over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops that treat allergies. They were previously prescription-only products, known as Pazeo, Pataday, and Patanol.
All three Pataday eye drops contain the same active ingredient, called olopatadine, in different strengths.
The Extra Strength drops last the longest, at up to 24 hours, and the Once Daily drops last up to 16 hours. The Twice Daily drops are the only product that needs to be used multiple times a day, lasting up to 8 hours.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a medical condition that can cause red, itchy eyes. It can happen when you have a reaction to certain triggers (allergens), including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. It’s estimated that eye allergies affect up to 40% of people.
When you come into contact with an allergen, your immune system reacts and a naturally-occurring chemical called histamine is released. The release of histamine is what causes an allergic reaction, making your eyes swollen, red, and itchy. Allergic conjunctivitis is rarely serious, but it can cause discomfort and lower your quality of life.
Fortunately, eye drops can help relieve allergic conjunctivitis. Here, we’ll take a look at three eye drop products that contain olopatadine (an antihistamine) as their active ingredient and are all available over-the-counter (OTC).
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Read more to learn about the differences between Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength, Once Daily Relief, and Twice Daily Relief — formerly known as Pazeo, Pataday, and Patanol.
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength
In 2015, the FDA approved a prescription eye drop product called Pazeo (olopatadine 0.7%). Pazeo was approved to relieve itching due to eye allergies.
Then, in 2020, Pazeo changed from a prescription product to an OTC product and was rebranded as Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength. The Extra Strength drops do not have a generic version, so they might be more expensive when compared to other eye drops containing olopatadine.
Pataday Once Daily Relief
The FDA approved Pataday (olopatadine 0.2%) as a prescription medication in 1996. Then, in 2020, it was rebranded as the OTC product Pataday Once Daily Relief.
Pataday Once Daily Relief is approved to treat itchy eyes from allergies. Unlike the Extra Strength drops, the Once Daily drops come in generic versions. The generic versions will have “olopatadine 0.2%” on the label.
Pataday Twice Daily Relief
The FDA approved Patanol (olopatadine 0.1%) as a prescription medication in 1996. And it was rebranded in 2020 as the OTC product Pataday Twice Daily Relief.
Like the other olopatadine products discussed in this article, it’s approved to treat itchy eyes from allergies. There are generic versions of the Twice Daily drops, which you can find by looking for “olopatadine 0.1%” on the label.
How do I use the different Pataday products?
These three Pataday products can be used by adults and children who are at least 2 years old. As indicated by the names, both Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength and Once Daily Relief only need to be used once a day. You only need to use 1 drop in the eye or eyes that are affected.
But Pataday Twice Daily Relief needs to be used 2 times a day. This may make it more likely that you’ll forget a dose. Like the other versions, you only need to use 1 drop in the affected eye or eyes per dose.
To use any of these Pataday drops, follow these steps:
Wash your hands before putting these products in your eyes, and avoid touching the dropper tip with your eye or hands, or on any surfaces. This will help you avoid eye infections that could occur from a contaminated dropper.
After placing 1 drop in the affected eye(s), close your eye(s). Press a finger to the inner corner of your eye (by your nose) and apply light pressure for 1 minute. This will help your eye absorb the medication.
If you’re using other eye products, wait at least 5 minutes in between each product.
If you wear contacts, take them out before using Pataday eye drops. You can put them back in 10 minutes after applying the drops.
Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength vs. Pataday Once Daily Relief
You can tell from the name of these medications that they both need to be used just once a day. But the Extra Strength drops contain 0.7% olopatadine, while the Once Daily drops contain 0.2% olopatadine.
These products last for different amounts of time. The Extra Strength drops work for up to 24 hours, and the Once Daily drops are effective for up to 16 hours.
Olopatadine 0.7% (previously Pazeo, now Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength) and olopatadine 0.2% (previously Pataday, now Pataday Once Daily Relief) were compared in a study of over 400 people. After 24 hours of use, olopatadine 0.7% was better at relieving eye itchiness than olopatadine 0.2%. It was also better at relieving redness of the eyes. While not common, side effects for both drops included eye irritation and blurry vision.
Pataday Once Daily Relief vs. Pataday Twice Daily Relief
The major difference between these medications is how often you have to take them and how much olopatadine is in each. Pataday Twice Daily Relief works for up to 8 hours and contains 0.1% olopatadine, versus the 16-hour effectiveness and 0.2% olopatadine of the Once Daily drops.
While the products are thought to be equally effective, the Once Daily drops have the advantage of only requiring one dose a day.
Pataday Extra Strength, Once Daily, and Twice Daily side effects
Like all medications, Pataday eye drops can cause side effects. Since these products all contain olopatadine, they can all cause:
Common cold symptoms
Eye irritation right after application
Headache
Abnormal sensation in the eye (feeling that something is in your eye)
Blurry vision
Dry eyes
Pink eye
Taste changes
More serious side effects can happen with Pataday products, as well. If you experience eye pain, vision changes, or itching in the eye that lasts over 3 days, stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider.
Eye infections are also a potential, more serious side effect. If you suspect you have an eye infection, notify your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) immediately. You can lower your risk of infection by avoiding touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or any other surface. You should also wash your hands before using your Pataday product.
The bottom line
Once available by prescription only, Pazeo, Pataday, and Patanol are now available OTC as Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength, Pataday Once Daily Relief, and Pataday Twice Daily Relief. All of these drops help treat eye allergies and contain olopatadine as their main ingredient. But they vary in strength and in how long they last.
If you suffer from eye allergies and are wondering if these OTC products are right for you, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
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References
Abelson, M. B., et al. (2007). Efficacy of once-daily olopatadine 0.2% ophthalmic solution compared to twice-daily olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution for the treatment of ocular itching induced by conjunctival allergen challenge. Current Eye Research.
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (n.d.) Pataday frequently asked questions.
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Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2010). Pataday 0.2% [prescribing information].
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Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2020). Pazeo [prescribing information].
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Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2021). Pataday Once Daily Relief [label].
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2021). Pataday Twice Daily Relief [label].
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McLaurin, E., et al. (2017). Pooled analysis of two studies evaluating efficacy and safety of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.77% in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Clinical Ophthalmology.
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