Optatanol or Olopatadine eye drops are a medication that help to reduce allergic responses that affect the eyes and vision. Olopatadine reduces symptoms like hypersensitivity to substances such as pollen and dust. Unlike other antihistamines, Opatanol is usually only available on prescription. These eyedrops contain olopatadine.
Opatanol
What is Olopatadine?
Olopatadine eye drops are medicated eye drops containing the active ingredient olopatadine hydrochloride. Olopatadine eye drops are also known under the brand name Opatanol. Olopatadine is a kind of antihistamine, which works by preventing the natural actions of histamine in the body. Histamine is the substance that the human body naturally produces when exposed to a foreign substance like dander or pollen.
Although histamine is a natural part of the human defence mechanism, it can lead to uncomfortable side effects in large doses, like watering eyes, itching nose, or general discomfort. When the body reacts to a foreign substance, the cells stimulated by substance release their histamine, which causes allergic symptoms. The active ingredient in Opatanol, olopatadine, works to disrupt the connection between the histamine and the receptors in your body, reducing your side effects.
All allergies, including hay fever caused by grasses and pollen, can sometimes be treated using antihistamine substances like olopatadine.
When is Olopatadine used?
Olopatadine or Opatanol is a kind of antihistamine which is commonly used with allergic substances cause reactions in the eyes. If your hay fever, or an allergy to a pet causes your eyes to water or feel uncomfortable, then Olopatadine eye drops can help to reduce those symptoms.
Olopatadine can be used in children aged over the three years old, and most adults. Opatanol is not generally recommended for other conditions besides seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. When used correctly, olopatadine eye drops will help to reduce the number of histamines that your body responds to, which should reduce your symptoms. Although some medications similar to Opatanol can be obtained over the counter, it is important to check with a doctor or consultant that this medication is the right treatment option for you before you start taking it.
How do you use Olopatadine?
Before you begin using any new medication, it is important to read the patient leaflet that comes with that drug or substance. This patient leaflet is designed to give you all of the information that you might need to take your medication safely. Your patient leaflet will include information on potential side effects, and how you can avoid interactions with other medications.
Olopatadine eye drops should only be applied to the eyes. You should not attempt to take Opatanol in other ways, such as orally, or with a drink of water. Olopatadine eye drops should not be used when you are wearing contact lenses.
Olopatadine contains a kind of preservative which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear these lenses, then you should remove them and wait for around fifteen minutes before you put your lenses back in after applying the drops. If possible, your doctor or consultant might recommend not using lenses at all when taking these drops.
Make sure that you wash your hands before using Oloptadine or Opatanol, so you can reduce the chances of dirt getting into your eyes. Open one eye, and look up, then carefully drop a single drop of Olopatadine eye drops into your eye, by squeezing the bottle gently. Try not to blink the eye drops away. You may need to follow these instructions with both eyes. Follow your doctor’s advice on how regularly you should use Olopatadine, and how many drops you need to use.
What dosages are there?
Your doctor or consultant will advise you on how often to use Olopatadine or Opatanol, and how much of this medication you should use. For most adults and children over the age of 3, the recommended dose will be one drop in each eye, up to two times per day. You can use Opatanol as needed to relieve your symptoms of hay fever and other allergic reactions. If necessary, using Opatanol daily might help to control your symptoms during pollen season.
Do not use Olopatadine for longer than four months in a row without consulting with your doctor first. If you feel that you are struggling with more symptoms than usual, do not take more Olopatadine or Opatanol without getting approval from your doctor. If you forget to use your olopatadine eye drops, you can apply your missing dose when you remember to do so, unless you are planning on taking a new dose very soon. You should not double up the dose of olopatadine eye drops for any reason.
If you feel that your condition is worsening, or that it isn’t getting better while using Olopatadine or Opatanol speak to your doctor about other alternative options. A doctor or consultant might be able to recommend a medication that’s better for you. What are the side effects of Olopatadine?
Olopatadine eye drops and Olpatanol can cause side effects, just like all other medications. It is important to be aware of the side effects that may occur when you are taking any medication. You can find a complete list by checking out the side effects list on your patient leaflet.
Medicines and the side effects that they may cause can affect different people in different ways. The following side effects may not happen to you. If you notice other side effects that aren’t listed here, speak to your doctor or consultant, or talk to a pharmacist to get help. Common side effects of Oopatadine and Olpatanol include:
- Irritation or eye pain;
- Dry eyes;
- Abnormal sensation in your eyes;
- Strange taste;
- Headache;
- Fatigue;
- Dryness in your nose.
In some rare circumstances, Opatanol might cause other side effects, such as discharge from your eye, red eyes, or watery eyes. If this happens, you should stop using the drops and speak to a doctor immediately. Do not continue to take Olopatadine if you notice staining or discoloration in your eyes, redness or swelling of your eye lids, dry skin, or dizziness. If you have any trouble with blurred vision that lasts for an extended period of time, or a scratchy feeling in your eye, talk to your doctor.
In some cases, Olopatadne might cause other rare side effects, including swelling of the eyes or face. This is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. If you are concerned that you are having an allergic reaction to Opatanol, speak to a doctor or an emergency care provider immediately. If you feel unwell after taking Olopatadinel in any way, speak to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to continue taking the medication.
This is not a complete list of the side effects that could be caused by Olopatadine. Check your patient leaflet and speak to your doctor or consultant for more information.
When shouldn’t you use Olopatadine?
Olopatadine and Opatanol are relatively safe treatments for most people, but it will not be the right solution for everyone suffering from allergic reactions to hay fever and other issues. When discussing your condition with a doctor or consultant, it is important to answer any questions that they might have about your conditions carefully. Make sure that you speak to your doctor about your medical history, and do not take this medication if you have any allergies to the active ingredients.
If you have allergies that involve other substances, make sure your doctor or consultant is aware of these too. Opatanol could include inactive ingredients that also cause allergic responses. In some cases, Olopatadine eye drops might cause blurring in your vision temporarily after you use them. If this is the case for you, make sure that you do not drive any machinery or operate anything that requires complete visual focus.
Opatanol should not be used in children under the age of three. If you are using this drops with a child, make sure that you follow the instructions provided by your doctor or consultant carefully. Olopatadine has not been confirmed as safe for use during pregnancy. You should use this medication with caution during pregnancy and speak to your doctor about the side effects and benefits of taking Olopatadine.
It is not known whether Olopatadine could pass into breast milk. If you are nursing then discontinue this medication.
Does Olopatadine interact with other medications?
Olopatadine and Opatanol could interact with other medications that you are using and increase your chances of dangerous side effects. Medications that interact could also cause other substances in your system not to work in their intended fashion. If you are using any medication, let your consultant or doctor know before you begin taking Opatanol This includes any over the counter medications, prescription drugs, or herbal remedies and supplements.
If you are using other eye drops while using Olopatadine eye drops, make sure that you ask your doctor or consultant about how long you should leave your eyes to settle between applications. This medicine has not yet been reported to effect other medications. However, it is important to speak to your doctor to ensure that it is safe to take this medication before you begin using it.
Where can you buy Olopatadine?
Olopatadine or Opatanol is available to purchase from reputable chemists and pharmacies either online or offline throughout Europe. Try Opatanal Boots, Opatnol UK or purchase on Dokteronline.
Can I get Olopatadine eye drops without a prescription?
Opatanol and Olopatadine may be available without prescription in some locations, but it usually requires a prescription and recommendation from a doctor.
Sources
Drugs.com (2019, January 2019) Opatanol Retrieved April 24th 2020 from: https://www.drugs.com/uk/opatanol.html
Medicines.Org (2018, October, 18) OPATANOL 1mg/ml eye drops solution Retrieved April 24th 2020 from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6768/smpc
Mims.com (2019, April, 29 ) Opatanol Retrieved April 24th 2020 from: https://www.mims.co.uk/drugs/eye/eye-inflammation/opatanol