Olopatadine
Olopatadine (oh la PAT a deen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain allergy symptoms. Olopatadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.
Olopatadine (oh la PAT a deen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain allergy symptoms. Olopatadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.
- Generic
- • Solution
- • 5ml of .1pct
- • 1 Eye Dropper
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Brittany A. Duke, PharmD, RPh
Updated on October 12, 2023
Olopatadine (oh la PAT a deen) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain allergy symptoms. Olopatadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved olopatadine to treat:
- red, itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies
- symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by seasonal allergies
These approved uses differ based on the form of olopatadine your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of olopatadine. To find coupons for olopatadine nasal spray, see this article.
FAQ
Common questions about olopatadine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about olopatadine.
Is olopatadine a steroid?
No, olopatadine is not considered a steroid. Olopatadine eye drops belong to the groups of drugs called antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. The nasal spray is also an antihistamine.
There are other eye drops and nasal sprays used to treat allergy symptoms that are a type of steroid called corticosteroids. Examples include prednisolone eye drops (Omnipred, Pred Forte, others) and fluticasone nasal spray (Exhance, Flonase).
For more information about this, talk with your doctor.
How does olopatadine work? And how long does it take to start working?
During an allergic reaction, a certain type of immune cell in your body called mast cells releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, watery eyes.
Olopatadine eye drops work by preventing mast cells in your eyes from releasing histamine. They also block the effects of histamine that has already been released. Olopatadine nasal spray blocks the effects of histamine.
By reducing the amount of histamine in your body or blocking its effects, olopatadine relieves symptoms caused by histamine.
Olopatadine typically starts working about 30 minutes after you use the eye drops or nasal spray.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of olopatadine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as olopatadine for certain conditions. Approved uses for olopatadine are described below. These uses differ based on the form of olopatadine prescribed.
Use for symptoms related to allergies
Doctors may prescribe olopatadine eye drops for treating red, itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies (also known as allergic conjunctivitis). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 3 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With allergic conjunctivitis, you have inflammation (swelling) in your eyes caused by allergic reactions to certain substances, such as mold spores or pollen.
Doctors may prescribe olopatadine nasal spray to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children 6 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that happens during a particular season. It is typically prompted by allergens found outdoors, such as pollen or ragweed. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and sore or scratchy throat.
Side effects
Side effects of olopatadine
Olopatadine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of olopatadine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about olopatadine’s side effects ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for olopatadine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of olopatadine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of olopatadine you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about olopatadine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for olopatadine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Olopatadine eye drops’ mild side effects include:
- headache
- weakness
- blurry vision
- dry eyes
- mild allergic reaction*
Olopatadine nasal spray’s mild side effects include:
- mild nosebleed
- sleepiness
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for olopatadine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of olopatadine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of olopatadine you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about olopatadine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for olopatadine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
For olopatadine nasal spray, serious side effects include:
- sores in your nose
- hole in your nasal septum (wall that separates both sides of your nose)
- severe nosebleed
- excessive sleepiness
- impaired mental alertness
- severe allergic reaction*
For olopatadine eye drops, the following serious side effects may also occur:
- keratitis (swelling of a certain part of the eye called the cornea)
- swollen eyelids
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for olopatadine” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for olopatadine
Below you’ll find information about olopatadine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of olopatadine
Olopatadine isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with olopatadine won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with olopatadine.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with olopatadine. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:
- vaccines
- foods or alcohol
- other drugs
Warnings for olopatadine
Some people should not use olopatadine, and others should use it cautiously.
Olopatadine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether olopatadine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of olopatadine you take/use.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for olopatadine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Olopatadine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to olopatadine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe or recommend that you do not use olopatadine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to olopatadine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of olopatadine
You should not use more olopatadine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much olopatadine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and olopatadine
Information about olopatadine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Olopatadine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether olopatadine should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Olopatadine and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether olopatadine should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about olopatadine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are olopatadine eye drops or nasal spray available without a prescription?
- Can I use olopatadine eye drops along with other eye drops?
- How long should I use olopatadine nasal spray or eye drops?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Olopatadine hydrochloride — olopatadine hydrochloride solution/drops. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c8c44b45-b69b-4ba9-bc4f-ce43e260a4b6/spl-doc
- Olopatadine hydrochloride — olopatadine hydrochloride spray, metered. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3aa27224-7b72-38eb-0c21-b8d73525ee85/spl-doc
- Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis with olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops. (2008). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694001/
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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