Generic name: Olopatadine hydrochloride
What is Patanol?
Patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Patanol is used to treat the symptoms of allergic pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Patanol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Health Benefits
Patanol has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, such as itchiness, redness, and tearing. A single drop of Patanol applied to each eye four times a day has been shown to provide relief within minutes, and the effects can last up to 12 hours.
In addition to its antihistamine properties, Patanol also contains a mast cell stabilizer that helps to prevent histamine release. This makes it an especially effective treatment for those with severe allergies or who are highly sensitive to histamine.
Side Effects & Safety
When used as directed, Patanol is generally safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are temporary burning or stinging upon application.
If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe eye irritation, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, stop using Patanol and seek medical attention immediately.
Patanol should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to olopatadine or any other ingredient in the formulation. It should also be used with caution in those with narrow-angle glaucoma or other preexisting eye conditions.
Dosage & Formulations
Patanol is available in a 0.1% ophthalmic solution. The recommended dosage is one or two drops in each affected eye four times daily.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when using Patanol and to avoid missing any doses. If you are using Patanol for the first time, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using it.
Interactions
Patanol may interact with other eye medications. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially if you are using any other eye drops or ointments.
Examples of other medications that may interact with Patanol include:
medications for glaucoma or other eye conditions,
antihistamines,
decongestants,
cold or allergy medications, and
sedatives.
Patanol should not be used in place of emergency medical care for a sudden eye problem. If you have an eye emergency, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action of Patanol is unknown. It is thought to work by inhibiting the action of histamine, a substance that is released in response to allergens and can cause symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Patanol also contains a mast cell stabilizer that helps to prevent histamine release. This makes it an especially effective treatment for those with severe allergies or who are highly sensitive to histamine.
Pharmacokinetics
Patanol is rapidly absorbed following ocular administration. Peak concentrations are reached within 1 to 2 hours. The half-life of Patanol is 8 to 9 hours.
Patanol is excreted in the urine and feces as both unchanged drug and metabolites. Less than 1% of the administered dose is recovered in the urine as unchanged drug.
Alternatives to Patanol
There are a number of other options available for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. These include antihistamine eye drops (such as Zaditor and Alaway) and decongestant eye drops (such as Naphcon-A and Opcon-A).
Patanol may not be suitable for everyone, so it is important to speak to your doctor about all of your options before deciding on a treatment.
Overdosage
There have been no reports of overdose with Patanol. However, as with all medications, it is possible to take too much.
If you or someone else has taken too much Patanol, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
severe eye irritation,
vision changes, and difficulty breathing.
