Generic
Olopatadine
15 brands available in the market
At a glance
Olopatadine is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer used for allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery, red and swollen eyes) and allergic rhinitis. It blocks histamine H1 receptors and inhibits histamine release from mast cells.
Description
Olopatadine is a relatively selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist which inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells and histamine-induced effects on conjunctival epithelial cells. It shares many of the pharmacologic effects of mast cell stabilisers.
Indications
- Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery, red and swollen eyes)
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
- Vernal keratitis
- Blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)
- Allergic rhinitis and allergic skin conditions (tablet)
Therapeutic class
Ophthalmic Non-Steroid Drugs
Pharmacological class
Antihistamine & Mast Cell Stabilizer
Pharmacology
Olopatadine blocks H1 receptors to prevent histamine effects and inhibits release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators (tryptase, prostaglandin D2, TNF-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines) from mast cells.
Mechanism of action
Relieves allergy symptoms (itching, watering, redness).
Dosage
Eye Drops:
- 0.1%: 1 drop in affected eye twice daily (6-8 hours apart)
- 0.2%: 1 drop in affected eye once daily
- 0.7%: 1 drop in affected eye once daily
Nasal Spray:
- 12 years+: 2 sprays per nostril twice daily
- 6-11 years: 1 spray per nostril twice daily
Tablet: Adults: 5 mg twice daily; Children (7 years+): 5 mg twice daily
Administration
- Eye drops: Do not touch dropper tip to eye; reinsert contact lenses after 10-15 minutes
- Nasal spray: Prime with 5 sprays before first use; re-prime with 2 sprays if not used for 7 days; clean weekly
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Headache (rare)
- Asthenia
- Blurred vision
- Burning or stinging in eyes
- Dry eye
- Foreign body sensation
- Hyperemia
- Hypersensitivity
- Keratitis
- Lid edema
Precautions & warnings
- Do not wear contact lenses if eye is red
- Not for treatment of contact lens related irritation
- Discontinue if allergic reaction occurs
- Do not spray nasal spray into eyes
- Use within 1 month of opening
- Caution while driving (may cause blurred vision)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Drug interactions
- Additive CNS depression with CNS depressants
Food interactions
No food interactions.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Olopatadine may be unsafe during pregnancy; no teratogenic effects in animals, but adequate human studies not available.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Olopatadine is probably safe during breastfeeding; no significant risk to baby.
Pediatric use
Eye drops: 3 years+; Nasal spray: 6 years+; Tablet: 7 years+.
Geriatric use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness observed in elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
No information on overdose; seek medical attention if excessive use.
Storage conditions
Store at room temperature; protect from light; use within 1 month of opening.
Chemical structure
Olopatadine