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May 27, 2012

Pataday

Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC »

Allergy medications overview

The arsenal of allergy drugs includes dozens of medications that relieve allergy symptoms when confronted with a trigger known as an allergen. That trigger could be something from a plant, such as pollen, or something from an animal (pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches). Other allergy triggers include certain fragrances or chemical substances.

What causes a person's allergic reaction is highly individual. But the reactions are often universal: swelling and inflammation, especially around the eyes, nose, and throat, usually accompanied by itching.

Some allergy medications work against the effects of histamines, which are released during an allergic reaction. Other medications reduce swelling, affect the immune system, or affect release of other substances associated with allergic reactions.

Many allergy drugs are available without a prescription.

For what conditions are allergy medicatio...

Read the Allergy Drugs: Prescription and OTC article »

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Pataday Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Pataday, Patanol

Generic Name: olopatadine ophthalmic (Pronunciation: OH loe PAT a deen)

What is olopatadine ophthalmic (Pataday)?

Olopatadine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.

Olopatadine ophthalmic is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.

Olopatadine ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Patanol

What are the possible side effects of olopatadine ophthalmic (Pataday)?

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

Stop using olopatadine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe redness, swelling, burning, stinging, drainage, crusting, or other irritation when using the eye drops.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or dryness of the eyes;
blurred vision;
feeling that something is in your eye;
puffy eyelids;
stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat;
weakness;
back pain;
headache; or
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about olopatadine ophthalmic (Pataday)?

Before using olopatadine ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you have any type of infection in your eye.

Do not use olopatadine ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. Olopatadine ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using olopatadine before putting your contact lenses in.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated.

Avoid using other eye medications not prescribed by your doctor.

Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Stop using olopatadine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have severe redness, swelling, burning, stinging, drainage, crusting, or other irritation when using the eye drops.

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