olopatadine
Olopatadine (Patanase) is a prescription nasal spray used to treat seasonal allergies in people 6 years and older. It works quickly and can relieve allergy symptoms for up to 12 hours. And most people experience few to no side effects while using olopatadine (Patanase).
What is Olopatadine (Patanase)?
What is Olopatadine (Patanase) used for?
- Allergies
How Olopatadine (Patanase) works
Olopatadine (Patanase) is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural chemical called histamine, which is responsible for symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as itchy nose, watery eyes, and congestion.
Drug facts
Side effects of Olopatadine (Patanase)
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
- Nosebleeds (Up to 25%)
- Sores in the nose (Up to 10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Feeling tired
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Bitter taste
- Headache
- Nasal pain or discomfort
- Loss of smell
- Diarrhea
The following Olopatadine (Patanase) 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 (Patanase)
Pros
- Typically works quickly within 30 minutes
- Has very few side effects, so it's safe for most people
- Can be used in children as young as 6 years old
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Cons
- Can cause nosebleed or sores in the nose
- Only helps with nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, not for infections or other health conditions
- Can leave a bitter taste in the mouth
- Not available over the counter
Pharmacist tips for Olopatadine (Patanase)
- Don't drive a car or operate machinery after using olopatadine (Patanase) as this medication can make you sleepy and lower your alertness.
- Make sure to read the instructions for use before using olopatadine (Patanase). Doing so can help you use this medication safely.
- Olopatadine (Patanase) should only be sprayed into the nose for it to work properly. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never spray it in your eyes or ears to avoid side effects.
- Before using olopatadine (Patanase), gently blow your nose to clear it of mucus.
- Shake the bottle well each time before using olopatadine (Patanase).
- The first time you use olopatadine (Patanase), prime the nasal spray by releasing 5 sprays into the air or until you see a fine mist. This helps to make sure you get the full dose of medication in each spray afterwards. If you haven't used olopatadine (Patanase) for more than 7 days, re-prime the nasal spray by releasing 2 sprays into the air.
- If olopatadine (Patanase)becomes clogged, gently pull the applicator off the bottle and rinse the applicator under warm water for a minute. Replace the applicator back on the bottle after it's dried. Then re-prime the device by releasing 2 sprays into the air each time you need to take it apart to clean it.
- Throw away your olopatadine (Patanase) bottle after using 240 sprays after you first prime it, even if it still has medication in it. This will make sure you get the correct dose.
Common questions about Olopatadine (Patanase)
Olopatadine (Patanase) and Ryaltris (olopatadine / mometasone) are both nasal sprays that contain the active ingredient olopatadine. But Ryaltris also contains mometasone. Mometasone is a corticosteroid that can lower swelling and inflammation. Olopatadine (Patanase) can be used in people 6 years and older, while Ryaltris can only be used in people 12 years and older. Another difference is that Ryaltris is only available as a brand-name product, which might be expensive. Olopatadine (Patanase) is available as both brand-name and generic, which might be less expensive. Talk with your provider to see which medication is a better option for you.
Most people who use olopatadine (Patanase) will have relief from allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny, itchy, and stuffy nose) within 30 minutes and for up to 12 hours. Tell your provider if your allergy symptoms aren't relieved or have gotten worse after starting this medication. Your provider can make sure there are no other serious medical conditions going on.
Maybe. Always check with your provider or pharmacist first before taking allergy medications with olopatadine (Patanase). This is because some allergy medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can make people sleepy. Taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) while using olopatadine (Patanase) can raise your risk of feeling excessively drowsy and being less alert.
No. It's not recommended to drink alcohol while you are taking olopatadine (Patanase). Drowsiness is a common side effect of olopatadine (Patanase), and alcohol can make it worse. Combining olopatadine (Patanase) and alcohol can raise your risk of drowsiness and lower your alertness. For your safety, it's best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Olopatadine (Patanase) shouldn't be used to treat symptoms of a sinus infection. It blocks a natural chemical called histamine, which is responsible for symptoms of seasonal allergies. Olopatadine (Patanase) only works for allergy-related nasal irritations. Don't use it to treat a sinus infection even if you already have it at home. Doing so can make your infection worse since it can prevent you from receiving the right medication in the meantime.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Olopatadine (Patanase)
Olopatadine (Patanase) 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.
Nasal problems
Since olopatadine (Patanase) is used directly in the nose, it can raise the risk of side effects such as nosebleeds or ulcers (sores) in the nose. Let your provider know if you have a history of nasal ulcers, long-term nosebleeds, or nasal injury. Your provider will examine your nose to make sure this medication is safe for you before starting. If you experience frequent or heavy nosebleeds, sores in your nose, nose pain, or a whistling sound when you breathe while using olopatadine (Patanase), speak to your provider right away because you might need to stop using the medication.
Excessive sleepiness
- Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking medications that cause drowsiness
Olopatadine (Patanase) can sometimes cause you to feel drowsy. Using this medication with alcohol or medications that also cause drowsiness (e.g., benzodiazepines, sleep medications, muscle relaxers, or opioids) can slow down brain activity and lead to severe sleepiness. Talk to a provider right away if you have symptoms of severe drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, or confusion. Make sure you know how olopatadine (Patanase) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require concentration.
Olopatadine (Patanase) dosage
Nasal spray| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.5g of 665mcg | 1 nasal spray | $30.11 | $30.11 |
Typical dosage for Olopatadine (Patanase)
Each spray contains 665 mcg (micrograms) of olopatadine.
- Adults and children 12 years or older: The typical dose is 2 sprays into each nostril 2 times daily.
- Children ages 6-11 years old: The typical dose is 1 spray into each nostril 2 times daily.
Interactions between Olopatadine (Patanase) 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 (Patanase) cost?
What are alternatives to Olopatadine (Patanase)?
News about Olopatadine (Patanase)
Olopatadine (Patanase) images
