Indications
- This medication is an antihistamine primarily utilized to alleviate itching and redness in the eyes caused by allergies.
- However, it is not recommended for treating eye irritation resulting from wearing contact lenses.
Dosage and administration
- If you’re using the over-the-counter product for self-treatment, carefully read and adhere to all directions on the product package before using this medication. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow their instructions.
- Apply this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by the product package or your doctor, typically once or twice daily.
- When using eye drops, ensure hands are washed first. Avoid contamination by not allowing the dropper tip to touch your eye or any surface.
- If wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting your lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and apply slight pressure for 1 to 2 minutes near the inner corner of your eye to prevent the medication from draining out. Avoid blinking or rubbing your eye. Repeat for the other eye if necessary. Do not rinse the dropper. Always replace the dropper cap after each use.
- If using other eye medications (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying additional medications. Administer eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
- Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.
- Use this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to achieve the maximum benefit.
- If your condition persists, worsens, or you suspect a serious medical issue, seek medical attention promptly.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of this medication may include headache, blurred vision, burning, stinging, redness, dryness of the eye, eyelid swelling, or a sensation of something in the eye. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- If your doctor has prescribed this medication, it’s important to remember that they have assessed that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- While very rare, a severe allergic reaction to this drug can occur. Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
- This list does not encompass all possible side effects. If you observe any other effects not mentioned here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using olopatadine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications. Discuss this with your pharmacist for more details.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist.
- After applying this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require clear vision until you can do so safely.
- Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.