Opatanol General Information
Opatanol is an antihistamine used to treat itching and redness in the eyes due to allergies.
Opatanol is not recommended for the treatment of eye irritation due to wearing contact lenses.
How to Use Opatanol
Apply Opatanol in the affected eye(s) usually once or twice a day as directed by your doctor, depending on the brand of eye drops you are prescribed.
Wash your hands before each use. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
The preservative in Opatanol may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Opatanol and keep them out of your eyes for at least 10 minutes after each dose.
Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of your eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
Use Opatanol regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed.
Wait at least 5 minutes in between applying Opatanol and any other eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments) you may be using. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Opatanol Possible Side Effects
Headache, blurred vision, burning/stinging/redness/dryness of the eye, eyelid swelling, or a feeling as if something is in your eye may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Opatanol because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Opatanol do not have serious side effects.
A serious allergic reaction to Opatanol is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Opatanol Precautions
Before using olopatadine hydrochloride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Opatanol may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Opatanol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: contact lens use.
Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying Opatanol. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Opatanol should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Opatanol passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Opatanol Possible Intercations
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using Opatanol, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.