Opatanol (Olopatadine) Eye Drops

What is Opatanol (olopatadine) and what is it used for?

Opatanol is a brand name for olopatadine, which is an antihistamine medication available in the form of eye drops. It is primarily used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, also known as eye allergies.

Olopatadine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for causing symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and tearing in the eyes.

Opatanol eye drops are prescribed to provide relief from symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis, including:

1. Itching
2. Redness
3. Tearing
4. Swelling
5. Irritation
6. Burning sensation

How does Opatanol (olopatadine) work?

Opatanol (olopatadine) works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body during allergic reactions. Histamine is released in response to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, and it plays a key role in triggering the symptoms of allergic reactions, including itching, redness, swelling, and tearing in the eyes.

In addition to its antihistamine properties, olopatadine also exhibits some anti-inflammatory effects, which may further contribute to its effectiveness in relieving symptoms of allergic eye conditions.

Alternative to Opatanol (olopatadine)

There are several alternatives to Opatanol (olopatadine) that are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). These alternatives may contain different active ingredients and come in various forms, such as eye drops or oral medications. Some common alternatives to Opatanol include:

Alternative OTC treatments include:

• Benacort Nasal Spray
• Pirinase Nasal Spray
• Cetirizine Tablets
• Loratadine Tablets
• Opticrom Eye Drops

For a full list of treatments that are available from The Independent Pharmacy please take a look at our Hayfever Advice page.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/...

Opatanol (olopatadine) directions

Instil one eye drop in each eye in the morning and the evening.

1. Wash your hands before use
2. Gently wipe around your eyes with a tissue to remove any moisture
3. Unscrew the top of the bottle and check that the dropper is clean
4. Gently pull your lower eyelid down
5. Carefully place the drop inside the middle of your lower eyelid
6. Release your lower eyelid and gently press on the inner corner of your eye against the bridge of your nose
7. Slowly blink your eyes a few times to spread the drop across the surface of your eye
8. Repeat this for your other eye

For full details on how to use Opatanol please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

Opatanol ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Opatanol eye drops is: 1 mg/mL olopatadine (as hydrochloride).

Opatanol also contains the following inactive ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride, Sodium chloride, Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate (E339), Hydrochloric acid (E507) (to adjust pH) Sodium hydroxide (E524) (to adjust pH), Purified water

Opatanol side effects

While Opatanol is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Opatanol may include:

1. Eye irritation: This can manifest as a temporary stinging or burning sensation upon installation of the eye drops.
2. Eye redness: Some individuals may experience temporary redness of the eyes after using Opatanol.
3. Blurred vision: Blurred vision may occur in some individuals after using Opatanol, although this side effect is usually transient and resolves quickly.
   
4. Dry eyes: Opatanol may exacerbate symptoms of dry eye in some individuals.

Opatanol (olopatadine) warnings

Before using Opatanol (olopatadine) eye drops, it's essential to be aware of several warnings and precautions:

1. Allergic reactions: If you have a known allergy to olopatadine or any other ingredients in Opatanol, you should avoid using it. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as itching and redness to severe reactions such as swelling and difficulty breathing. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction after using Opatanol, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Contact lenses: Opatanol eye drops may contain preservatives that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. To avoid potential interactions, remove contact lenses before applying Opatanol, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Additionally, if you experience eye irritation or discomfort while wearing contact lenses, it's advisable to consult your eye care professional.
3. Eye disorders: Before using Opatanol, inform your healthcare provider if you have any pre-existing eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eye syndrome. Opatanol may not be suitable for individuals with certain eye disorders, and your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate course of treatment based on your medical history.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's essential to consult your healthcare provider before using Opatanol if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. While there is limited data on the use of olopatadine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it may be recommended to avoid using it unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.