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 over-the-counter (OTC) allergy eye drop for adults and children 2 years and up. It works as an antihistamine to help relieve itchy and red eyes from allergies. There are 3 types of olopatadine eye drops (Pataday). There's a lower-strength version that's used twice a day. Regular-strength and extra-strength versions that are used once a day are also available. Some side effects include blurry vision and dry eye.
What is Olopatadine (Pataday)?
What is Olopatadine (Pataday) used for?
- Temporary relief of allergy eye symptoms, such as itchy and red eyes
How Olopatadine (Pataday) works
Olopatadine (Pataday) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms like itchy and red eyes.
By blocking histamine, this medication helps relieve eye allergy symptoms.
When does Olopatadine (Pataday) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Pataday |
|---|---|
| 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
- Burning or stinging in the eye
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Common cold symptoms
- Sore throat
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry 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
$17.31
GoodRx discount
$13.10
Pros and cons of Olopatadine (Pataday)
Pros
- Works within minutes to help relieve itchy and red eyes from allergies
- Safe for children over 2 years old
- Available over the counter
Cons
- Not for irritation caused by eye infections, contact lenses, or dry eye
- Contains preservatives, which can cause eye irritation
- Must take out contact lenses first before using
Pharmacist tips for Olopatadine (Pataday)
- Before using olopatadine (Pataday), make sure to wash your hands well. This helps avoid getting germs into your eye.
- Don't let the tip of the olopatadine (Pataday) bottle touch your eye or other surface. Also, don't touch the dropper tip with your hands. This helps keep germs from getting into the medication and causing an eye infection.
- How to use olopatadine (Pataday): When you're ready, tilt your head slightly back and look up. Then, gently pull your bottom eyelid down with one hand. Hold the eye drop bottle just above the eye with the other hand. Then, put 1 drop of medication into the pocket of the lower eyelid. After, close your eye and press a finger to the inside corner of your eye and press lightly for a few minutes.
- If you wear contact lenses, be sure to take them out before using olopatadine (Pataday). The medication has a preservative that can get onto the contacts. Wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. In general, it's recommended that you don't wear contacts if your eyes are red to prevent more irritation.
- Stop using olopatadine (Pataday) and talk to a healthcare professional if you have severe eye pain. Also stop and get help if your eye gets more red, your itchy eye gets worse or lasts more than 3 days, or you notice changes in your vision. A healthcare professional or an eye specialist can check what's going on.
- Don't use olopatadine (Pataday) if the liquid inside changes color or becomes cloudy. It might not be safe to use.
- If you need to use olopatadine (Pataday) with other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between each one. This gives your eye enough time to fully absorb each medication.
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
Only use olopatadine (Pataday) in your eye(s). Don't put the drops into your ear, nose, or mouth. If you or someone else swallows the medication, get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Remove contact lenses before use
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using olopatadine (Pataday). The eye drops contain a preservative that can damage your contacts. Wait at least 10 minutes after using olopatadine (Pataday) 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 $13.10 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 24.32% off the average retail price of $17.31.
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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