Olopatadine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for relief of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery, red, irritated eyes).

How does it work?

• Olopatadine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the eye's reaction to the allergen.

How is it best taken?

• For the eye only.
• Take out soft contact lenses before using medicine. Lenses can be replaced 15 minutes after medicine is given.
• Tilt head back and drop medicine into your eye. Avoid touching dropper to your eye, lid, or other skin.
• With eyes closed, apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in the eye.
• Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes. Give one and wait 5 minutes before giving the next.
• This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Use at least 1-3 hours before.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If eyes red, do not wear soft contact lenses.
• Do not use to treat contact lens-related irritation.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.
• Burning or stinging of eye.

What should I monitor?

• Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating symptoms.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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