What is Olopatadine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Olopatadine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Patanol, Pataday, Pataday Twice Daily Relief, Pataday Once Daily Relief, Pazeo

Generic Names:

  • Olopatadine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats eye itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). Also treats eye itching or redness caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, or dander.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Ophthalmologic Agent

Forms:

  • Drop, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Olopatadine used for?

What form(s) does Olopatadine come in

  • Drop

  • Liquid

What are common Olopatadine doses?

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.1%

  • Bottle 2.5ML of 0.2%

  • Bottle 30.5GM of 0.6%

Common Olopatadine prescriptions

  • Olopatadine HCl
    2.5ml of 0.2% bottle

  • Olopatadine HCl
    30.5gm of 0.6% bottle

  • Olopatadine HCl
    5ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Olopatadine HCl
    30.5gm of 0.6% spray btl

How to take Olopatadine

  • Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before you put the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes before you put them back in. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.

  • Do not use if the liquid changes color or become cloudy.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before you put the drops in your eyes. Wait at least 10 minutes before you put them back in. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Do not use if the liquid changes color or become cloudy.

What to do if you miss a dose of Olopatadine

Olopatadine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olopatadine.

Olopatadine warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Do not use this medicine for irritation caused by contact lenses.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Olopatadine interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Do not use this medicine for irritation caused by contact lenses.

  • If you are also using other eye products while using Pataday®, wait at least 5 minutes between each product.

Olopatadine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Headache, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision

  • Increased redness, itching, pain, or swelling of the eye

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning, stinging, or dry eyes

  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose

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