Patanol

Patanol

Generic Name: olopatadine ophthalmic (OH loe PAT a deen)

Brand Names: Pataday, Patanol

What is Patanol?

Olopatadine (brand name Patanol) is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.

Patanol is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

Patanol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Patanol?

Before using Patanol, tell your doctor if you have any type of infection in your eye.

Do not use Patanol while you are wearing contact lenses. Patanol may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Patanol before putting your contact lenses in.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated.

Avoid using other eye medications not prescribed by your doctor.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Stop using Patanol and call your doctor at once if you have severe redness, swelling, burning, stinging, drainage, crusting, or other irritation when using the eye drops.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Patanol?

You should not use Patanol if you are allergic to olopatadine.

Before using Patanol, tell your doctor if you have any type of infection in your eye.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Patanol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Patanol without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication in a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use Patanol?

Use Patanol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of Patanol is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Patanol?

Do not use Patanol while you are wearing contact lenses. Patanol may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Patanol before putting your contact lenses in.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated.

Avoid using other eye medications not prescribed by your doctor.

Patanol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Patanol and call your doctor at once if you have severe redness, swelling, burning, stinging, drainage, crusting, or other irritation when using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or dryness of the eyes;

blurred vision;

feeling that something is in your eye;

puffy eyelids;

stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat;

weakness;

back pain;

headache; or

unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Patanol side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Patanol?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Patanol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Patanol resources

Patanol Side Effects (in More Detail)

Patanol Dosage

Patanol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Patanol Support Group

8 Reviews for Patanol - Add your own review/rating

Patanol Prescribing Information (FDA)

Patanol Drops MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Patanol Monograph (AHFS DI)

Patanol Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Pataday Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Patanol with other medications

Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Patanol.