Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

OLOPATADINE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

(oh-low-PAT-uh-deen off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Patanol

Uses

This medication is used to treat itching eyes due to allergies.

How To Use

For best results this medication must be used exactly as directed, usually two times a day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Do not instill this medication while wearing contact lenses. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye drop, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications.

Side Effects

Overall, side effects were not common. Headache, red, itching or dry eyes, eye discomfort (stinging or lid swelling or feeling as if something is in your eye) or change in taste sensation might occur. If these continue or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report: symptoms of a cold, unusual weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: contact lens use, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into human milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 39 and 86 degrees F (4-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.