Olopatadine
Description
Olopatadine is a medicine used for the treatment of allergic symptoms. Olopatadine is available in different dosage forms such as a tablet, nasal spray and eye drops. The tablet and nasal spray forms are used in treating allergic symptoms like sneezing, stuffy, runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, skin rashes, itching, swelling, etc. The ophthalmic form (eye drops) is used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis caused by various allergens and pollens. Olopatadine works by stopping the release of a chemical substance (histamine) that cause allergic symptoms.
Olopatadine shows side effects that include redness, itching, eye irritation, blurred vision, eye discomfort, bitter taste, cough, headache, dry eye, dry nose, sleep disturbances, etc. These effects will subside on their own. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms persist for a long time. Avoid using Olopatadine if you are previously allergic to it. It is not recommended to use Olopatadine in children below 3 years of age as safety and efficacy has not been established.
Olopatadine should be used only upon your doctor's prescription. The tablet form of olopatadine can be taken with or without food. For eye drops, instil 2-3 drops of this medicine into the affected eye and repeat the same when required. For nasal preparation, insert the tip of nasal spray into your nostril and spray it as prescribed by your doctor.
Olopatadine may cause blurred vision or dizziness after using it. Therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines. Always make sure not to touch the tip of eye drops or nasal spray with fingers to avoid bacterial contamination. Contact your doctor if the infection does not reduce in 2 weeks.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Olopatadine
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Bitter taste
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Bleeding from nose
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Eye discomfort
Uses of Olopatadine
What is it prescribed for?
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Olopatadine can be observed based on the dosage form. Oral form (tablet): It takes 2 hours to show its effect. Nasal form (nasal spray): Takes 30 minutes to show its action Eye preparation (eye drops): requires 2 hours to show its action.
- Duration of effectThe duration of action of Olopatadine is based on the dosage form. Oral form (tablet): 24 hours. Nasal form (nasal spray): 12 hours. Eye preparation (eye drops): 20-24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol while using Olopatadine increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating. Hence avoid drinking alcohol while on treatment with Olopatadine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported for Olopatadine.
- Usage in pregnancy?It is not known whether Olopatadine harms your foetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine. It is acceptable to use upon your doctor's recommendation. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known whether Olopatadine passes into breast milk or if it could affect your baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. It is acceptable to use upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Do not use Olopatadine if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if there is a history of olopatadine allergy. Contact your doctor and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling anywhere on your body, dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
It is not known whether Olopatadine harms your foetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medicine. It is acceptable to use upon your doctor's recommendation. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Olopatadine passes into breast milk or if it could affect your baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. It is acceptable to use upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Contact lens
Avoid wearing contact lenses after administering Olopatadine Eye Drops as it can cause eye irritation.
Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol while using Olopatadine increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating. Hence avoid drinking alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving or operating machines
Olopatadine may cause blurred vision, burning sensation, drowsiness, etc. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after using Olopatadine.
Use in children
Avoid using Olopatadine in children below 3 years of age due to the lack of safety and efficacy data.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Olopatadine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor if suspect that you might have taken an overdose of Olopatadine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol while using Olopatadine increases the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating. Hence avoid drinking alcohol while on treatment with Olopatadine.
Interaction with Medicine
Alprazolam
Sodium oxybate
Amitriptyline
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Olopatadine tablet is used to treat allergic symptoms. Take it with or without food. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Strictly follow all the instructions on the label while taking this medicine. Do not give your medicine to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Eye preparations: Olopatadine eye drops are for external use only. Use it as directed by your doctor. Wash and dry your hands before administration. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Use this medicine within 4 weeks of opening.
Nasal spray: Olopatadine spray should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Insert the spray tip into your nostril and spray it as advised by your doctor. Do not touch the tip of the container to avoid contamination.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Olopatadine works by blocking the release of the chemical substance histamine that causes allergic symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antihistamines
Schedule
Schedule H
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - OLOPATADINE HYDROCHLORIDE spray, metered. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. OPATANOL 1mg/ml eye drops solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Olopatadine Nasal Spray: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Ohara-ch.co.jp. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Olopatadine Ophthalmic: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Sep 2021
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