olopatadine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antihistamine and antiallergic agent
Licensed use
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults
Administration
For use in the eyes only; avoid touching the dropper tip
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before use and follow the leaflet before reinserting them
What is olopatadine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed in adults for ocular signs and symptoms caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergy
Watery, red or inflamed eyes caused by seasonal allergy
How does olopatadine hydrochloride work?
Olopatadine blocks histamine, a major chemical involved in allergic reactions. It also reduces the release and effects of inflammatory mediators from cells in the conjunctiva, limiting allergy-related itching, redness and watering.
olopatadine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Eye drops
Route: Ophthalmic
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take olopatadine hydrochloride
Use only in the affected eye or eyes as directed. Wash your hands, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and instil the drop without touching the eye, eyelid or surrounding skin with the bottle tip.
Close the bottle firmly after use.
Gently close the eye and press near its inner corner to reduce drainage into the nose.
Remove soft contact lenses before use and follow the product leaflet before replacing them.
If using other eye medicines, administer them separately and use eye ointments last.
Temporary blurred vision may occur; do not drive or operate machinery until vision is clear.
olopatadine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Eye irritation, discomfort, pain or dryness
- An unusual sensation in the eye
- Headache or tiredness
- Dry nose
- Unpleasant or altered taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious allergic reaction, including facial swelling or breathing difficulty
- Corneal injury or inflammation causing significant pain, light sensitivity, cloudiness or impaired vision
- Marked eye or eyelid swelling
olopatadine hydrochloride in pregnancy
There are limited human pregnancy data for ophthalmic olopatadine, and reproductive toxicity occurred after systemic exposure in animals. The selected product is not recommended during pregnancy; a prescriber or pharmacist should review the need for treatment and suitable alternatives.
olopatadine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product should not be used while breastfeeding because human data are insufficient and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. Ask a prescriber or pharmacist about an alternative with more suitable evidence.
olopatadine hydrochloride interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Clinically important metabolic interactions are considered unlikely because systemic exposure from the eye drops is low and olopatadine does not appear to inhibit major CYP enzymes.
Other topical eye medicines
Administer separately so one product does not wash out another; use eye ointments last.
Common questions about olopatadine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is olopatadine hydrochloride an antihistamine?
Yes. It blocks histamine and also reduces the release of inflammatory mediators involved in eye allergy.
What eye symptoms does olopatadine hydrochloride treat?
The selected product treats itchy, watery, red or inflamed eyes caused by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in adults.
Does olopatadine hydrochloride treat an eye infection?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.