Brand Names: Pataday, Patanol

Generic Name: Olopatadine Ophthalmic (OH loe PAT a deen)

What is Patanol?

Patanol is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

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

Patanol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

The recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye two times per day at an interval of 6 to 8 hours.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Patanol if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment. Patanol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Patanol will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Patanol passes into breast milk. Do not use Patanol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Patanol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects from Patanol are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Patanol and talk to your doctor if you experience burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or dryness of the eyes; swollen eyelids; a stuffy or runny nose; headache; or changes in taste. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at 39°F to 86°F (4°C to 30°C).

Overdose

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.

More Information

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Patanol contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses while applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted about 15 minutes after a dose. Avoid other eye drops unless your doctor approves.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Patanol.