Olopatadine eye drops: how to take it safely
Patanol, Pataday
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Relieves itchy, red, watery eyes from allergy.
How to take it
- Wash your hands. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid and put one drop in the pocket it makes.
- Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes and press the inner corner of the eye. This keeps the drop in the eye.
- Do not let the tip touch your eye or fingers.
- If you use more than one eye drop, wait 5 minutes between them.
When to take it
Use one drop once or twice a day, as the label says.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Wearing soft contact lenses unless the label says it is safe. Take lenses out first and wait 15 minutes.
- Touching the dropper tip to anything.
- Using the bottle for more than 4 weeks after opening.
- Sharing the bottle.
- Using it for an eye infection. See a doctor.
Possible side effects
Mild stinging, headache, dry eyes, a bad taste.
Get help if
Eye pain, vision change or swelling of the face: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.