Patanase

Generic Name: olopatadine (nasal) (OH loe PA ta deen)
Brand Names: Patanase

What is Patanase?

Patanase (olopatadine) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the body, which reduces allergy symptoms.

Patanase treats sneezing, itching, runny nose, and other nasal symptoms of allergies.

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

Important information about Patanase

Before using Patanase, tell your doctor if you have any non-allergic conditions affecting the inside of your nose, such as a deviated septum.

Patanase can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Patanase.

Talk with your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Before using Patanase

You should not use Patanase if you are allergic to olopatadine. Before using Patanase, tell your doctor if you have any non-allergic conditions affecting the inside of your nose, such as a deviated septum. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether olopatadine is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether olopatadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Patanase without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Patanase should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use Patanase?

Use Patanase exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To use the Patanase nasal spray:

• Gently blow your nose before using the nasal spray.

• The first time you use a new bottle of Patanase, prime the unit by pumping 5 sprays into the air, away from your face, until a fine mist appears.

• Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up into your nose. Press your other nostril closed with your finger and keep your head upright. Pump the spray and gently inhale at the same time.

• Use only the number of sprays prescribed by your doctor.

• Clean the pump nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it.

• Prime the spray pump with at least 2 sprays any time it has been longer than 7 days since you last used it.

Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using Patanase nasal spray.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Store Patanase at room temperature in an upright position, away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, and feeling restless or agitated.

What should I avoid while taking Patanase?

Patanase can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Patanase.

Patanase side effects

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 Patanase and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed;

• sores inside your nose; or

• burning or pain when you urinate.

Less serious Patanase side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• a bitter taste in your mouth;

• headache;

• dry mouth, sore throat;

• cough, sneezing, runny nose, cold symptoms;

• weight gain; or

• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain.

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.

See also: Patanase side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Patanase?

Cold medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Patanase. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other allergy medications.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Patanase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Patanase.

• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:46:24 PM.