DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: olopatadine ophthalmic (oh low PAT a deen)
Brand Names: Patanol

What is olopatadine ophthalmic?

Olopatadine is an antihistamine. It inhibits the release of histamine in the body (which causes allergic symptoms) after exposure to an allergen.

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

Olopatadine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about olopatadine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using olopatadine ophthalmic?

Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.

Olopatadine ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether olopatadine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether olopatadine passes into breast milk. Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Olopatadine is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I use olopatadine ophthalmic?

Use olopatadine eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Olopatadine ophthalmic is usually applied twice a day with 6 to 8 hours between doses. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store olopatadine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using olopatadine ophthalmic?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Olopatadine ophthalmic contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses while applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted about 15 minutes after a dose.

Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.

Olopatadine ophthalmic side effects

Serious side effects from olopatadine ophthalmic are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use olopatadine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor if you experience

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

• swollen eyelids;

• a stuffy or runny nose;

• headache; or

• changes in taste.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect olopatadine ophthalmic?

Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with olopatadine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about olopatadine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Olopatadine ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Patanol in a 0.1% solution. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.07. Revision Date: 9/1/04 3:02:07 PM.