Olopatadine
Introduction To Olopatadine
Olopatadine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (infection, itching, redness, and swelling of the eye) caused due to pollens, dust, animal fur, and other allergens.
Follow your doctor's instructions precisely for using Olopatadine in your eyes. It should be used regularly at evenly spaced time intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may also lead to burning, pain, irritation in your eyes but this effect is temporary.
Uses of Olopatadine
- Treatment of Allergic conditions
Benefits of Olopatadine
Treatment of Allergic conditions
Olopatadine provides relief from symptoms such as blocked or runny nose,
sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. This will make it easier for you to go
about your daily activities. It can also give relief from allergic reactions
after insect bites and symptoms of hives and eczema such as rash, swelling,
itching, and irritation. This will improve the appearance of your skin and you
may find that your mood and self-confidence improve as well. It rarely has any
serious side effects and you may only need to take it on days you have
symptoms. Moreover, Olopatadine may make you feel less sleepy as compared to
other antihistamine medicines. If you are taking it to prevent getting
symptoms you should use it regularly to get the most benefit.
Side effects of Olopatadine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Olodiva
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- Abnormal eye sensation
- Eye discomfort
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Dryness in mouth
How to use Olopatadine
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off the extra liquid.
How Olopatadine works
Olopatadine is an antiallergic medication. It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger (histamine) which is responsible for red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Olopatadine to relieve red, itchy and watery eyes caused due to allergic eye diseases.
- If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before putting in these eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
- Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, or to your eye, to avoid contaminating the eye drops.
- Side effects such as eye pain or irritation, dry eyes, abnormal sensation in the eyes, headache may occur after using Olopatadine. These are usually mild and may not be with everyone.
- It may cause short term blurring of vision when first used. Use caution before driving or using machines.
- Any of the side effects other than mentioned above if occur, do consult the treating physician.
- Make sure to use within 4 weeks of opening the bottle.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Olopatadine if I’m pregnant?
Olopatadine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Olopatadine if I’m breastfeeding?
Olopatadine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Olopatadine?
Olopatadine may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Olopatadine a steroid?
No, Olopatadine is not a steroid. It is a medication which is used to treat allergic conditions. Most commonly it is used to treat allergic conjunctivitis/pink eye. Do not take this medication without consulting your doctor.
Q. Is Olopatadine effective?
Olopatadine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Olopatadine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. Can Olopatadine cause eye irritation?
Usually, Olopatadine does not cause eye irritation. Infact, it helps in reducing the inflammation and irritation in the eye. However, in some cases, patients may experience eye irritation, abnormal eye sensation and eye discomfort.
Q. Can a child use Olopatadine?
Olopatadine can be used in children above 3 years of age at the same dose as in adults. However, the safety of children under 3 years of age with Olopatadine have not been established. Therefore, the use of Olopatadine should be avoided in children of such age group.
Q. Does Olopatadine make you sleepy?
Usually, using Olopatadine does not make you sleepy. However, in some cases there are chances that it may cause sleepiness. It is important to know that if other anti-allergic medications are taken orally along with this medication then they may make you sleepy. Avoid driving or performing work on heavy machinery work if you feel sleepy. Contact your doctor if the medicine makes you uneasy.
Q. How long can you use Olopatadine?
The Olopatadine should be instilled in the affected eye(s) with one drop twice daily. The duration of treatment with Olopatadine will depend upon the disease condition, its severity, and the response of the patient to the treatment. The medicine can be given for as long as four months if considered necessary. However, the exact duration is decided by your doctor.
Q. Is Olopatadine effective?
Olopatadine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Olopatadine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. Can Olopatadine cause eye irritation?
Usually, Olopatadine does not cause eye irritation. Infact, it helps in reducing the inflammation and irritation in the eye. However, in some cases, patients may experience eye irritation, abnormal eye sensation and eye discomfort.
Q. Can a child use Olopatadine?
Olopatadine can be used in children above 3 years of age at the same dose as in adults. However, the safety of children under 3 years of age with Olopatadine have not been established. Therefore, the use of Olopatadine should be avoided in children of such age group.
Q. Does Olopatadine make you sleepy?
Usually, using Olopatadine does not make you sleepy. However, in some cases there are chances that it may cause sleepiness. It is important to know that if other anti-allergic medications are taken orally along with this medication then they may make you sleepy. Avoid driving or performing work on heavy machinery work if you feel sleepy. Contact your doctor if the medicine makes you uneasy.
Q. How long can you use Olopatadine?
The Olopatadine should be instilled in the affected eye(s) with one drop twice daily. The duration of treatment with Olopatadine will depend upon the disease condition, its severity, and the response of the patient to the treatment. The medicine can be given for as long as four months if considered necessary. However, the exact duration is decided by your doctor.
Q. Can Olopatadine be used in sneezing and running nose?
Olopatadine can be used in a condition called allergic rhinitis which causes allergic inflammation of the nose. The medicine helps in controlling the symptoms like sneezing and running the nose. It can also be given in conditions associated with skin disorders like hives and itch.
Q. How do we take Olopatadine?
Take this medicine only when it is prescribed by your doctor and follow the instructions as directed. Usually, one tablet is prescribed to be taken twice daily in the morning and after dinner. The exact dosage and duration of the medicine are decided by the doctor.
Q. Can Olopatadine be taken for a long-term itching condition?
Yes, Olopatadine can be taken in long-term itching condition. Such type of condition is termed as chronic urticaria. Before starting this medication you should get your itchy condition diagnosed. The doctor will then suggest the appropriate dose and duration of the medication.
Q. Can Olopatadine be taken in hay fever?
Yes, Olopatadine can be used in the condition like hay fever caused by pollen grains also called pollinosis. However, if you have hay fever contact your doctor before starting this medication. Usually, in case of pollinosis, the medication should be taken for full season of pollen to prevent recurrence of the condition.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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