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Patanol Eye Drops

Generic name: olopatadine ophthalmic [ OH-loe-PAT-a-deen ]
Brand name: Patanol
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Apr 22, 2024.

The Patanol brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.

Prescription only Patanol Eye Drops (olopatadine 0.1%) have been discontinued in the United States. In February 2020 Patanol was rebranded Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine 0.1%) and is now available over-the-counter (OTC).

What is Patanol?

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

Patanol eye drops are used to treat eye itching caused by allergies.

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

Warnings

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

Do not use the eye drops while you are wearing contact lenses. The eyes drops may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Patanol before putting your contact lenses in.

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

Do not allow the Patanol 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.

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

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Patanol if you are allergic to olopatadine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Patanol is safe to use if you have any type of eye infection.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Patanol eye drops are not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Patanol pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I use Patanol?

Use Patanol eye drops exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Try to keep your eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops recommended on the medicine label.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid looks cloudy or has changed colors.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

0.1% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye twice per day at an interval of 6 to 8 hours
0.2%/0.7% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye once a day

Use: Treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis:

2 years or older:
0.2%/0.7% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye once a day

3 years or older:
0.1% solution: 1 drop in each affected eye twice per day at an interval of 6 to 8 hours

Use: Treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Detailed Patanol dosage information

ketorolac ophthalmic, Pataday, olopatadine ophthalmic, Lotemax, Acular, Alrex

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Patanol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Patanol?

Avoid wearing contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. This medicine will not treat eye irritation caused by wearing contacts.

Patanol side effects

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Less serious Patanol side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Patanol side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Patanol?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Does Patanol interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Patanol eye drops only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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