Olopatadine
About Olopatadine
Olopatadine belongs to the 'antihistamine' class of drugs, primarily used to treat signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Olopatadine is also used to treat eye itching or redness caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, or dander. 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.
Olopatadine contains Olopatadine, which inhibits the release of histamine (chemical messengers released due to an allergic response in the body) from mast cells. Thereby relieves itching, burning, redness, and watering in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
Your doctor will advise on how often you need to use Olopatadine based on your medical condition. Some common side effects of Olopatadine include eye pain, eye irritation, headache, blurred vision, burning/stinging/redness/dryness of the eye, eyelid swelling, and eye discomfort. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If any of the side effects persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Olopatadine or any other medications. Avoid contact of dispensing container with the eye, eyelids, fingers, and other surfaces to prevent contamination. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Olopatadine. This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision; hence drive only when you are alert and have clear vision. Olopatadine is not recommended for children under three years of age.
Uses of Olopatadine
Medicinal Benefits
Olopatadine contains Olopatadine, an antihistamine drug. It treats signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. It relieves itching, burning, redness, and watering in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis. It works by inhibiting the release of histamine (chemical that causes allergic symptoms like itchy eyes) from mast cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Olopatadine
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Burning/stinging/redness/dryness of the eye
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye discomfort
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy): Allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergy, is the immune response that occurs when the eye comes in contact with an irritating substance known as an allergen. It is of three types: allergic, infective, and acute/chronic conjunctivitis. Allergens include dust, smoke, dander, mold, or pollen. Eye allergy symptoms include itching, burning sensation, watery eyes, red/pink eyes, scaling around the eyes, and swollen or puffy eyelids. It can be passed from one infected person to another; hence precaution like wearing sunglass or distancing is required in public places.
FAQs
Olopatadine works by inhibiting the release of histamine (chemicals that cause allergic symptoms like itchy eyes) from mast cells, thus relieving symptoms like itching, burning, redness, and watering in the eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
It is advised to remove your contact lens if you are wearing them while administering Olopatadine. Also, remember to wash your hands before and after administering the medicine to avoid contamination.
If you use other eye ointments/drops along with Olopatadine, it is advised to maintain a gap of at least 5-10 minutes after each administration. Also, use eye drops before applying any eye ointment.
Olopatadine can cause temporary blurry vision immediately after applying. Avoid driving and operating machinery in such cases until you feel better. If the effect persists longer, seek medical attention.
Avoid the contact of the dropper or tip with fingers, eyes, and eyelids when using Olopatadine. Topical eye products, when contaminated by patients with eye diseases, may result in eye infections.