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Olopatadine

This form:

Pronounced

"oh-low-PAT-uh-deen off-THAL-mick"

Common brand names:

Pataday, Patanol

Uses

This medication is an antihistamine used to treat itching and redness in the eyes due to allergies.

This medication is not recommended for the treatment of eye irritation due to wearing contact lenses.

How to Use This Medication

If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by the product package or by your doctor, usually once or twice a day.

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.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing your contact lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.