olopatadine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

olopatadine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Pataday, Patanol

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

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

Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. Olopatadine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using olopatadine 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 olopatadine ophthalmic 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 is olopatadine ophthalmic?

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

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to olopatadine.

Before using olopatadine ophthalmic, 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 olopatadine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication 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 olopatadine ophthalmic?

Use this medication 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.