Opatanol Eye Drops (Olopatadine)

Opatanol Eye Drops for Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis

How does Opatanol work?

Opatanol contains olopatadine, which is an antihistamine that works directly in your eyes to block the effects of histamine – the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.

When you come into contact with an allergen like pollen or pet dander, your mast cells release histamine, which causes the blood vessels in your eyes to swell and become inflamed. This leads to the typical symptoms of itchy, red, watery eyes and eye inflammation associated with eye disorders like allergic conjunctivitis.

Opatanol works in two ways:

1. It blocks the action of histamine from attaching to receptors in your eyes, preventing the allergic reaction from developing.
2. It stabilises the cells that release histamine, helping to stop the allergic response before it starts.

The drops work quickly, with most people experiencing relief within minutes of application. Because it works locally in the eye, Opatanol provides targeted relief without the drowsiness that can come with oral antihistamines.

What is Opatanol used for?

Opatanol eye drops are specifically used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, a condition where the eyes become inflamed due to an allergic reaction. This can happen seasonally (like during hay fever season when there’s pollen in the air) or year-round from everyday allergens such as pollen, house dust, or pet dander.

The signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis include:

• Itchy eyes
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Watery eyes
• Eye discharge
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Swollen eyelids
• Sensitivity to light

Opatanol helps relieve these uncomfortable symptoms by targeting the allergic reaction directly in the eye. It’s particularly effective for people who suffer from hay fever and find that their eye symptoms are the most bothersome part of their allergies.

Who can use Opatanol?

Opatanol is suitable for adults and children aged 3 years and older who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis. It can be used for both seasonal allergies (like hay fever) and year-round allergies caused by things like dust mites or pet dander.

However, Opatanol may not be suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Opatanol if you:

• Are allergic to olopatadine or any other ingredients in the eye drops
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have any other eye conditions or infections
• Are using other eye drops or eye medications

Before starting treatment with Opatanol, always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you have.

How to Use Opatanol Eye Drops

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops.
2. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Opatanol. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before putting your lenses back in.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
4. Hold the bottle upside down and squeeze gently to release one drop into the pocket of your lower eyelid. Try not to touch the tip/ dropper of the bottle to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination. If you touch your eye with the dropper, you could infect the drops left in the bottle.
5. Close your eye gently and press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about one minute. This helps prevent the drops from draining away and reduces the amount absorbed into your bloodstream.
6. If you need to use drops in both eyes, repeat the process for your other eye.
7. Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean tissue.

The usual dose is one drop in each affected eye twice daily. Use Opatanol regularly at the same time each day for best results. Continue using the drops for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms improve.

Side Effects of Opatanol

Like all medications, Opatanol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect the eye where you’ve applied the drops.

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Mild eye irritation or discomfort
• Blurred vision (usually temporary)
• Dry eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation when first applied
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Redness of the eye

Uncommon Side Effects

• Watery eyes
• Swollen eyelids
• Eye pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Itching of the eyelid
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Dry nose

Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Changes in taste
• Nausea

If you experience any side effects, particularly if they’re severe or persistent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Most mild side effects will settle down as your eyes adjust to the treatment. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, discontinue use of Opatanol and seek immediate medical attention.

You can report side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme to help monitor the safety of different medicines.

Opatanol Ingredients

Active ingredient: Olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% (equivalent to 1 mg per ml).

Inactive ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride (preservative), sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), and purified water.

Opatanol Warnings

• Do not use Opatanol if you are allergic to olopatadine or any other ingredients in the eye drops. Check the ingredients list carefully before use.
• If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying Opatanol and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. Soft contact lenses can absorb the preservative in the drops (benzalkonium chloride) and may cause eye irritation or discolour soft contact lenses.
• Consult your doctor before using Opatanol if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. While there’s limited information about using Opatanol during pregnancy, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider.
• Do not touch the tip of the bottle to your eye or any other surface, as this can contaminate the drops and lead to eye infections.
• If you’re using other eye drops or eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between applying different products. If you’re using eye ointments, apply the ointment last.
• Your vision may be temporarily blurred after applying the drops. If this happens, wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery.
• Stop using Opatanol and contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve after a few days of treatment, or if you develop any new eye problems.