What is Patanol 1% eye drop?
Patanol 1% eye drops contain Olopatadine as its active ingredient and belongs to a class of drugs called Antihistamines.
Doctors prescribe this eye drop to treat signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation that is caused by exposure of the eyes to different allergens like pollens, or dusts.
Some common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itching, eye redness, or irritation with extreme tear production.
You need to use this medicine exactly in the same way as directed by a doctor to treat your condition quickly.
After a prescription from a doctor, Patanol 1% eye drops can be obtained from licensed drugstores.
Working mechanism of Patanol 1% eye drop
Patanol 1% eye drop contains Olopatadine as its active ingredient which is a H1 histamine receptor antagonist.
When applied to the eyes, this medicine blocks the release of some chemicals in your eyes which are responsible for causing allergic reactions.
This further stops the onset of allergic reactions in the eye and offers relief from unpleasant symptoms linked with allergic conjunctivitis.
Directions for use
For using Patanol 1% eye drops in your eyes, make sure you follow the doctor’s instructions precisely.
It must be used regularly at evenly spaced intervals as directed by your doctor.
Even if you start feeling better, do not skip any doses and complete your full course of treatment.
This eye drop might cause irritation, burning, or pain in your eyes, but all these effects are temporary.
Wash your hands properly before applying Patanol 1% eye drops. It is only for ophthalmic use.
Tilt your head slightly backward and now place the tip of this container close to your eyes.
Pull your lower eyelid gently and instill a few drops of Patanol eye drops as recommended by a doctor.
Now, close your eyes and gently press the inner corner of your eye for 2 minutes. Repeat it in another eye if needed.
Generally, 1 to 2 drops at a time are applied, 2 times a day of this eye drop or as directed by a doctor.
After applying this eye drop, close your eyes for a while without blinking it. Wipe off all extra liquid with a clean tissue.
Before you apply other eye drops or ointments after using Patanol eye drops, leave a time gap of at least 5 minutes.
In case, you wear soft contact lenses then make sure to remove them before using this eye drop.
Before reinsertion of your eye drop, you must wait for at least 10 minutes.
Depending upon your age, health condition, and body weight, the doctor will decide the dose & duration of therapy.
To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container with your fingers or areas around your eyes while applying eye drops.
Missed dosage
When a dose of Patanol 1% eye drop is missed, use it as soon as possible.
But missed doses should be skipped and a regular schedule must be followed if it’s time for the next prescribed dose.
Never double the dose of this eye drop to make up for your missed dosage.
Overdose
An overdose of Patanol 1% eye drops is not expected to be dangerous. However, if you overdose then contact a doctor.
Precautions and warnings for Patanol 1% eye drops
If you are allergic to olopatadine or any other ingredients present in Patanol eye drops, then do not use this medicine.
Before starting treatment with Patanol 1% eye drop, inform the doctor about your medical history. After you apply this medication, your vision might become blurred temporarily. So, do not panic.
Doctors recommend avoiding driving, using machinery, or being involved in any activity that demands clear vision unless you can do it safely.
Pregnant women must use Patanol 1% eye drops only when required clearly. Discuss all benefits and risks with the doctor.
Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor because it is still unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk.
Let your doctor know about using Patanol 1% eye drops and other products you use before undergoing any surgery.
In case, you use any other prescription, non-prescription medicines, or herbal supplements then inform the doctor.
Side effects
Some mild side effects of Patanol 1% eye drops disappear after some time when your body adjusts to this medicine.
However, following the doctor’s direction closely can prevent serious side effects of this medicine.
Common side effects
- Changes in taste
- Eye pain, irritation
- Dry nose
- Eye dryness
- Fatigue
- Abnormal sensation in the eye
- Headache
Uncommon side effects
- Reduced vision, blurred or abnormal
- Eye itching or redness
- Eye inflammation or infection
- Runny nose
- Dryness of skin
- Eyelid abnormality, crusting, or swelling of the eyelid
- Feeling dizzy
- Increased tear production
Get emergency medical help, if any of these side effects persist or become worse with time.
Drug interactions
Without your doctor’s approval, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine.
Before using Patanol 1% eye drop, inform the doctor if you use any other eye drops or eye ointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Patanol 1% eye drop a steroid?
No, Patanol eye drop is not a steroid. It is a medicine that treats allergic conditions in your eye.
Do not use this eye drop without consulting your doctor.
Can Patanol 1% eye drop cause irritation to your eye?
Generally, this eye drop does not cause any irritation to the eyes. Moreover, it provides relief from irritation & inflammation in the eye.
In case, you experience eye irritation or abnormal eye sensation then tell your doctor.
Is Patanol 1% eye drop effective?
Patanol eye drop is effective when used in dose and duration as directed by your doctor.
Even if there is an improvement in your condition, do not stop using this medicine unless a doctor recommends it.
In case, you stop using Patanol 1% eye drop too early, your symptoms might return or worsen.
How long can I use Patanol eye drops?
The duration of treatment with this eye drop depends upon the disease condition, its seriousness, and the response of the patient to treatment.
If considered necessary, this medication can be given for four months.
