Olopatadine ophthalmic

Olopatadine is an antihistamine that lowers the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like itching or watery eyes.

Olopatadine ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye itching caused by allergies.

Olopatadine ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Use only the number of drops recommended on the medicine label.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid looks cloudy or has changed colors.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

You should not use olopatadine ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use olopatadine ophthalmic if you have any kind of eye infection.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Olopatadine ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

olopatadine ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using olopatadine ophthalmic and call your doctor right away if you have:

• eye pain or changes in vision;
• eye itching that gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours;
• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or
• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Less serious side effects may be more common, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

0.1% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye twice per day at an interval of 6 to 8 hours0.2%/0.7% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye once a dayUse: Treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

2 years or older:0.2%/0.7% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye once a day3 years or older:0.1% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye twice per day at an interval of 6 to 8 hoursUse: Treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

An overdose of olopatadine ophthalmic is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. olopatadine ophthalmic will not help with eye irritation caused by wearing contacts.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.