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.
Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
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.
Source:Â DailyMed
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.
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
Can't wear contacts for 10 minutes after using
Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
Might contain preservatives
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) products come in different strengths with different directions. Please refer to the manufacturer's label for specific instructions for your product.
Examples include:
Age 2 years and older: The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 6 to 8 hours, up to twice per day.
Children younger than 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Olopatadine (Pataday) 0.7% and olopatadine (Pataday) 0.2%:
Age 2 years and older: The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once per day.
Children younger than 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itching and redness
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Alcon Inc. (n.d.). Pataday® frequently asked questions.
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. (2022). Pataday Once Daily Relief- olopatadine hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Amerisource Bergen. (2023). Olopatadine hydrochloride solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Meier, E., et al. (2017). Pharmacokinetics and safety of olopatadine hydrochloride 0.77% in healthy subjects with asymptomatic eyes: Data from 2 independent clinical studies. Clinical Ophthalmology.
SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.
Sola Pharmaceuticals. (2023). Olopatadine HCl solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.
Uchio, E. (2008). Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis with olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops. Clinical Ophthalmology.
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