Sign inBefore using olopatadine eye drops
Before using olopatadine eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you wear soft contact lenses.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to olopatadine or any other medicine, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to use olopatadine eye drops
- Wash your hands well before use.
- Remove the cap.
- Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
- Hold the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
- Gently press on the base of the container to release one drop. If you think the drop missed your eye then try again.
- Close your eye for a minute or two and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose.
- Repeat in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
- Replace the cap on the container. Try not to touch the applicator tip with anything, including your eye or fingers.
- Wash your hands after use.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Olopatadine should be used twice daily (morning and evening) or as directed by your doctor.
- If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or they become worse, check with your doctor.
- If you are using any other eye drops or ointments, leave at least five minutes between each one.
- Olopatadine eye drops are not recommended for children under 3 years old.
- Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using olopatadine eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because there is a preservative in olopatadine drops which can affect soft contact lenses.
- When first put in, olopatadine eye drops may cause blurred vision.
- Make sure you can see clearly before you drive, use machines or do any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.
Can olopatadine eye drops cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Discomfort in the eye such as burning or stinging | This should soon disappear as your eyes get used to the new drops. If the discomfort in your eye continues speak with your doctor |
| Blurred vision | This usually disappears within a few minutes of applying the eye drops. Do not drive or use machines unless your vision is clear. If the blurred vision continues speak with your doctor |
| Headache, feeling tired, dry nose, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth | These effects are usually mild and do not last long |
If you experience any other symptoms, which you think may be due to olopatadine eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store olopatadine eye drops
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Discard olopatadine eye drops four weeks after opening.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Opatanol® 1 mg/ml eye drops, Alcon Laboratories (U.K) Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2007.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)