Olopatadine (Into The Eye)

Olopatadine (oh-loe-pa-TA-deen)

Treats itching or watering of eyes caused by allergies.

Brand Name(s):

Patanol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to olopatadine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of the medicine to use and how often.
• Use this medicine only in your eyes.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, wait at least 10 minutes after using this medicine before putting the lenses in your eyes. Do not use the eyedrops while you are wearing contact lenses.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you put the drops in your eyes.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down your lower eyelid to make a pocket. With your other hand, hold the dropper close to your eye, but do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye.
• Gently squeeze one drop (or the number of drops your doctor ordered) into the pocket. Close your eye. Press your finger against the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute.
• Keep your eyelids closed for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Do not touch, wipe, or rinse the dropper. If the dropper tip touches anything (including your eye), bacteria may get on it and cause an eye infection.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the eye drops as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not put in two doses of the eye drops at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the bottle closed tightly and store it at room temperature, away from heat and light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Check with your doctor before putting any other medicines in your eyes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you get an eye infection, have an eye injury, or have eye surgery while being treated with this medicine. You may need to get a new bottle of the eye drops to help prevent an eye infection or keep an infection from getting worse.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Increased eye redness, itching, pain, or swelling

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bitter or unusual taste in your mouth
• Burning or stinging in your eyes
• Dry eyes
• Headache
• Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.