Patanol (Olopatadine)

Do’s

• Wash your hands thoroughly before using Patanol.
• Tilt your head back, look up, and create a pouch with your lower eyelid to receive the drop.
• Aim the dropper directly over your eye and gently squeeze one drop into the pouch.
• Close your eyes gently and apply pressure to the inner corner for 1-2 minutes to prevent drainage.
• Repeat these steps for your other eye if needed.
• Replace the cap securely after each use.
• Use Patanol as directed by your healthcare provider or the package instructions, typically once or twice daily.
• Use the medication regularly at consistent times for optimal benefit.
• If using other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between applying Patanol and other drops or ointments. Use Patanol before ointments.
• Allow your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.
• Contact your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or persists, or if you suspect a serious medical problem.

Don'ts

• Don't touch the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination.
• Don't use Patanol while wearing contact lenses. Remove them before application and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting.
• Don't rinse the dropper after use.
• Don't exceed the recommended dosage or use Patanol for longer than prescribed.
• Don't share your eye drops with someone else.
• Don't ignore any side effects and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any discomfort.

Common side effects:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Changes to sensation of taste
• Dry nose
• Dry mouth
• Red, sore, and inflamed skin rash
• Nausea
• Crusty eyelids
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Other less serious side effects may also occur, and you may have none at all

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Skin rash
• Swelling of the face, hands, or feet
• Wheezing, difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea, heart failure)
• Severe and sudden onset of pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives or nettle rash
• Serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, or trouble breathing
• A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Patanol,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to Patanol or its ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health conditions, although the specifics aren't mentioned in the provided excerpt.

Patanol may cause temporary blurred vision after application. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring clear vision until your vision returns to normal.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Patanol) before any surgery.

Discuss the risks and benefits of Patanol with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as it's unknown if Patanol passes into breast milk.