Olopatadine Hydrochloride, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: olopatadine hydrochloride, ophthalmic; Patanol

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, provides temporary relief from itching eyes caused by tree and grass pollen (hay fever) and other allergens.

How do I use it?

Use the drops exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Continue treatment as long as you are exposed to the offending substance or until the pollen season is over. Read and follow the information sheet that comes in the medicine package.

Wash your hands before and after putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch.

Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not rinse the dropper. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

What should I watch out for?

Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. Do not use these drops for any irritation caused by contact lenses. These drops may discolor contact lenses. If you wear contacts, remove them before you use these eyedrops. You can put your contacts back in 10 minutes (or more) after putting in the eyedrops, if your eyes are not red.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Pus in your eye, any serious irritation.

Other: Burning, stinging, dry eyes, eye pain, swollen eyelids, headache, cold symptoms, runny nose, sinus irritation, change in taste, mild irritation, eye redness, sensitivity to light.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, tell your health care provider if you are using any other eyedrops, including nonprescription products.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.