Patanol 0.1% (Olopatadine)

Patanol general information

What is Patanol used for?

Patanol eye drops 0.1% are used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which is an allergic reaction in the eye caused by pollen (hay fever) that leads to irritation and inflammation. Patanol eye drops act locally on the eye to relieve symptoms like itchy red, swollen and watery eyes.

How does Patanol work?

Patanol eye drops 0.1% contain olopatadine, which is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical released from mast cells (cells involved in allergies), in response to an allergen like pollen, during an allergic reaction. Olopatadine in Patanol eye drops binds to the H1 receptor on the conjunctival cells in the eye (mast and epithelial cells in the lining of the white of the eye) and blocks the histamine-mediated production of inflammatory chemicals from the conjunctiva that cause inflammation and swelling. Olopatadine also acts on the mast cells to reduce the amount of histamine released. This dual action of Patanol eye drops reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis like itchy red, swollen and watery eyes.

What does Patanol contain?

Patanol eye drops contain the active ingredient olopatadine hydrochloride, an antihistamine and antiallergy medication used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, in a 5ml sterile, isotonic solution of 1.0 mg/ml or 0.1%. They also contain sodium chloride, sodium phosphate (dibasic) and purified water. The solution is preserved with benzalkonium chloride (0.1 mg/mL).

Treating allergic conjunctivitis with Patanol

Patanol eye drops are used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which is an allergic reaction in the eye caused by pollen (hay fever) that leads to irritation and inflammation. Patanol eye drops contain olopatadine, which is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical released from mast cells (cells involved in allergies) in response to an allergic reaction to pollen. Olopatadine in Patanol eye drops binds to the H1 receptor on the conjunctival cells in the eye (mast and epithelial cells lining of the white of the eye) and blocks the histamine-mediated production of inflammatory chemicals from the conjunctiva that cause inflammation and swelling. Olopatadine also acts on mast cells to reduce the amount of histamine released. This dual action of Patanol eye drops reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis like itchy red, swollen and watery eyes.

What are the side effects of Patanol?

Patanol is generally well tolerated but most common side effects reported include: headache, discharge, swelling of the eyelid, blurred vision, gritty eye, dry eye, burning or stinging, itching, sensitivity to sunlight and tiredness.

When should Patanol not be used?

You should not use Patanol if you:

• are allergic to olopatadine or any ingredients in Patanol eye drops
• are pregnant or breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Patanol be used?

You should use your Patanol eye drops by adding 1 or 2 drops into your affected eye(s) twice a day, morning and evening, using the dropper provided. Remove soft contact lenses before adding your Patanol eye drops and do not replace them until at least 10 minutes after adding the drops. Do not use just before having a bath, shower or going swimming. You should continue to use Patanol eye drops for as long as recommended by your pharmacist, which may be for a few days or weeks but may be longer up to 4 months, if necessary.

How long should you use Patanol?

You should continue to use Patanol eye drops for as long as recommended by your pharmacist, which may be for a few days or weeks but may be longer up to 4 months, if necessary.

Missed dose of Patanol

If you miss a dose of Patanol eye drops take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Patanol be stored?

You should store your Patanol eye drops at room temperature below 25°C and do not keep for more than 4 weeks after opening.