OLOPATADINE HYDROCHLORIDE 0.1% W/V EYE DROPS

Olopatadine is an anti-allergic medication used in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis caused due to pollens, dust, animal fur, and other allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) caused by an allergic reaction. Ophthalmic medicine belongs to the category of medicines called mast cell stabilizers. The eye drops work by inhibiting the release of chemical substances responsible for causing itching. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Olopatadine or similar medicines. 

Use Olopatadine eye drops as per the dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor. Avoid contact of the dispensing container with the eyes, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to avoid contamination. Generally, these eye drops are safe and do not cause any major side effects. However, some people may experience a few side effects such as eye pain, eye irritation, headache, blurred vision, burning/stinging/redness/dryness of the eye, eyelid swelling, and eye discomfort. Inform your doctor if the side effects persist or become severe with time. 

Medical Benefits of Olopatadine Eye Drops

Olopatadine eye drops are commonly prescribed for the treatment of Allergic conjunctivitis. Eye drops are an antihistaminic medication that treats allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes by blocking the effects of a chemical messenger (histamine) in the body. It relieves itching, burning, redness, and watering in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis. 

Directions for Use

Olopatadine eye drops are available in the form of a solution to instill in the eyes. Follow the dosage instructions given by your doctor. Read the prescription label carefully. Do not use Olopatadine eye drops more or less than prescribed by your doctor. Follow the steps given below to correctly use the Olopatadine eye drops.  

• Thoroughly, wash your hands before using the eye drops. 
• Check the dropper tip to ensure that it is not chipped or cracked. 
• Do not touch the dropper’s tip against your eyes or any other surface to avoid getting it contaminated. 
• Hold the dropper (tip down) with your hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
• While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper to drop a single drop of medicine in your eyes. 
• Keep your eyes closed for 2 - 3 minutes without blinking or squeezing your eyelids. 
• Wipe off any excess liquid from the face with a tissue. 
• Wash your hands to remove any medication. 

Side Effects of Olopatadine Eye Drops 

Mostly, the Olopatadine eye drops are safe to use and do not cause any major side effects. The side effects if any are mild to temporary and get resolved over time. Immediately inform your doctor if the side effects worsen with time or persist. The range of side effects noticed on using the Olopatadine eye drops are mentioned below: 

• Sleepiness
• Taste change
• Headache
• Dry eye
• Pharyngitis
• Eye pain
• Eye irritation
• Abnormal sensation in eyes
• Nasal dryness
• Fatigue
• Nosebleeds
• Nasal ulceration
• Nasal septal perforation
• Change in alertness

Drug Interaction 

Olopatadine eye drops may interact with other medicines when taken together. The eye drops can also interact with food items and health conditions. Do not use Olopatadine eye drops when taking the following mentioned medicines: 

• antidepressants (bupropion)
• dementia medicines (donepezil)
• drugs that treat excessive sleepiness in narcolepsy (pitolisant)

Precautions and Warnings 

• Avoid consuming alcohol with Olopatadine eye drops as it may interact and cause adverse side effects. 
• Do not use Olopatadine eye drops without a doctor’s consultation if you are pregnant. 
• Using Olopatadine eye drops is not safe if you are breastfeeding your newborn. 
• Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Olopatadine eye drops can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• Olopatadine eye drops shall be kept out of reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of the medicines in a cool and dry place. 
• Store the Olopatadine eye drops in a cool and dry place.