Olopatadine hydrochloride  ophthalmic solution

What olopatadine eye drop is used for:

Olopatadine eye drop is a medicine for treatment and control of allergic conditions of the eye. It works in two different ways by reducing and controlling the intensity of the allergic reaction. 
Olopatadine eye drop is used for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis: Some materials (allergens) like pollens, house dust or animal fur may cause allergic reactions resulting in itching, redness as well as swelling of the surface of your eye.

Do not use olopatadine eye drop if:

• Olopatadine eye drop should not be used if you are allergic to olopatadine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients
Do not use Olopatadine eye drop in children under the age of 16 years.

Warnings and precautions:

Before you use Olopatadine eye drop talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 
Use of Olopatadine eye drop and use of contact lenses 
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red. 
• Olopatadine eye drop contains a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolor soft contact lenses. Do not use the drops while wearing contact lenses. 
• Remove your contacts before applying Olopatadine eye drop and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in. 
Possible side effects
A small number of people who use Olopatadine eye drop may get side effects. They can be unpleasant, but most of them disappear rapidly. You can usually continue using the drops, unless the effects are serious. If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist. Side effects may include: 
 
• dry, itchy, red, irritated or crusted eyes 
• eye surface inflammation 
• eye discharge 
• eye pain 
• increased tear production 
• eyelid redness, swelling 
• sensitivity to light 
• blurred vision 
• staining in your eye 
• burning, stinging or gritty feeling
• headache 
• dizziness 
• fatigue or tiredness 
• nasal dryness 
• increased heart rate 
• a dry mouth 
• a change in your sense of taste 
• nausea 
• red or itchy skin
 
Other medicines and olopatadine eye drop:

Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, even products you have bought yourself without prescription or natural health products. 
There are no known drugs that interact with Olopatadine eye drop.
How to use olopatadine eye drop
Olopatadine eye drop is an eye drop. Only use it in your eye(s). 
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before putting in Olopatadine eye drop and the other eye drops. If you are using an eye ointment, you should apply it last. 
Usual dose: Adults: 1 drop in each affected eye once daily

Instructions for use: 

1. Get the Olopatadine eye drop bottle and a mirror if needed. 
2. Wash your hands. 
3. Twist off the cap, being careful not to touch the dropper tip. 
4. Hold the bottle, pointing it down, between your thumb and middle finger. 
5. Tilt your head back. Pull down your eyelid with a clean finger, until there is a ‘pocket’ between the eyelid and your eye. The drop will go in there.
6. Bring the bottle tip close to the eye. Use the mirror if it helps. Do not touch your eye or eyelid, or any surface with the dropper. It could contaminate the drops, cause an eye infection and damage the eyes. 
7. Gently press the bottom of the bottle with your forefinger to release one drop. Do not squeeze the bottle: it is designed so that just a gentle press on the bottom is all that it needs. 
8. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye. 
9. Put the bottle cap firmly back on immediately after use.

How to store olopatadine eye drop:

• Store at room temperature or between 4-25°C. 
• Throw away the bottle at the end of your treatment. 
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.