olopatadine
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.
Drug facts
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
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
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.
Common questions about Olopatadine (Pataday)
Yes. Olopatadine eye drop, including brand name Pataday, is available over the counter. This medication comes in three different strengths: olopatadine (Pataday) 0.1% is used twice daily, whereas olopatadine (Pataday) 0.2% and 0.7% only need to be applied once daily.
Olopatadine (Pataday) can be used for year-round allergies. But if your eye symptoms last for more than or worsens after 3 days of using olopatadine (Pataday), contact your provider. They might want to take a look at your eyes to see if there's a more serious condition that needs more medical attention. Or they might be able to recommend additional allergy medications to help with your symptoms.
You can use olopatadine (Pataday) 0.1% twice a day. But olopatadine (Pataday) 0.2% strength and olopatadine (Pataday) 0.7% strength should only be used once daily. Make sure to read the label of your medication for specific directions for your product.
No, you should remove your contact lenses before using olopatadine (Pataday). You'll also need to wait at least 10 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in your eye(s) after placing the drops. Keep in mind that olopatadine (Pataday) isn't meant to treat eye redness that's caused by contact lens irritation. If you suspect your symptoms might be a result of contact lenses, stop wearing your contacts and talk with your optometrist. Don't wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
Olopatadine (Pataday) is only meant for people ages 2 years and older who are experiencing eye-related allergy symptoms, such as redness and itching. Don't use olopatadine (Pataday) in children younger than 2 years old without asking their provider first. In addition, don't use olopatadine (Pataday) if you're allergic to any of the ingredients, including the inactive ingredients. Finally, if you begin to experience eye pain, changes in vision, worsening allergy symptoms that last for more than 3 days after starting olopatadine (Pataday), stop the medication and contact your provider. These could be signs of a more serious problem that needs more medical attention.
No. Olopatadine (Pataday) is only meant to treat eye allergy symptoms. In fact, dry eye is a possible side effect of olopatadine (Pataday). If you have dry eyes, ask your provider about possible treatment options for dry eyes, such as artificial tears.
Yes, it's okay to use more than eye drop. But if you need to apply more than one eye drop in the same eye at the same time, make sure to separate olopatadine (Pataday) from other eye drop medications by at least 5 minutes. This will help ensure each medication gets absorbed into your eye.
Ask your provider before using olopatadine (Pataday) while pregnant. This medication hasn't been well-studied in pregnancy. But based on how olopatadine (Pataday) works, very little of this medication is expected to get absorbed into the body. Because of this, it's unlikely that this medication will affect an unborn baby. You're recommended to talk with your provider about allergy medications that you can take during pregnancy.
How to save using GoodRx
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
Interactions between Olopatadine (Pataday) and other drugs
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?
What are alternatives to Olopatadine (Pataday)?
News about Olopatadine (Pataday)
Olopatadine (Pataday) images
