Comparing 3 Types of Pataday Eye Drops for Allergies
Learn about the differences between the three types of Pataday eye drops for allergy symptoms.
olopatadine
Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis, Allergic Rhinitis
Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis, Allergic Rhinitis
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.
What is Olopatadine (Pataday)?
What is Olopatadine (Pataday) used for?
- Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
How Olopatadine (Pataday) works
Olopatadine (Pataday) is an antihistamine and a mast cell stablizer. It treats allergy by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases when there are allergens around. Histamine can cause symptoms of allergy, like itchy and red eyes.
When does Olopatadine (Pataday) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Pataday Once Daily Relief, Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength, Pataday Twice Daily Relief |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Olopatadine (Pataday) essentials
Side effects of Olopatadine (Pataday)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Blurry vision (5%)
Note: These side effects were noted by people using olopatadine eye drops 0.77% in clinical studies.
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry eye
- Feeling like there's something in your eye
- Changes in taste
When do Olopatadine (Pataday) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Blurry vision
The following Olopatadine (Pataday) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred vision
burning, dryness, stinging of the eye
eye redness, irritation, or pain
swelling of the eyelid, face, lips, or feet
trouble breathing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Back pain
body or muscle aches or pain
change in taste
chills
feeling of something in the eye
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased cough
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
redness of the eye or inside of the eyelid
sensitivity of the eyes to light
shivering
sweating
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble sleeping
trouble swallowing
unusual tiredness or weakness
voice changes
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$44.99
GoodRx discount
$12.61
Pros and cons of Olopatadine (Pataday)
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
Pharmacist tips for Olopatadine (Pataday)
- Before using olopatadine (Pataday) eye drop, make sure to wash your hands. Also, take out your contact lenses if you're wearing any.
- Don't touch the olopatadine (Pataday) dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help you avoid eye infections by preventing contamination of the solution.
- Once you're ready to place the drops, tilt your head back and look up. Then, pull your lower eyelid down to form a pocket with one hand. Take the olopatadine (Pataday) bottle and give yourself a drop using the other hand. After, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose and press lightly for 1 minute.
- If you're using olopatadine (Pataday) at the same time as other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.
- If you wear contact lenses, you can put them back in about 10 minutes after using olopatadine (Pataday). If you're using multiple eye drops, ask your provider how long you need to wait before putting contact lenses back in.
Risks and warnings for Olopatadine (Pataday)
Olopatadine (Pataday) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For use in the eyes only
Olopatadine (Pataday) should only be used in your eyes. Don't give yourself this medication any other way. If you or someone else takes olopatadine (Pataday) by mouth, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Risk for bacterial infections in the eye when using contaminated medication
Eye infections can happen if your olopatadine (Pataday) bottle gets contaminated with bacteria and then you use the drops in your eyes. Some people who used contaminated olopatadine (Pataday) developed bacterial keratitis, a bacterial infection of the cornea (the protective covering on the front of the eye). It's important to wash your hands before each use and be careful not to touch the dropper tip to your eye, with your hands, or to any other surface.
Don't use while wearing contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, take them out each time before you place olopatadine (Pataday) drops into your eye(s). Wait at least 10 minutes after your dose before putting your contacts back in.
Olopatadine (Pataday) dosage
The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 5ml of 0.1% of Olopatadine (Pataday) is $12.61 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 71.97% off the average retail price of $44.99.
Interactions between Olopatadine (Pataday) and other drugs
Olopatadine (Pataday) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Olopatadine (Pataday). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Olopatadine (Pataday) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Olopatadine (Pataday)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Olopatadine (Pataday). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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