Generic name: olopatadine ophthalmic [ OH-loe-PAT-a-deen ]
Brand names: Pataday Once Daily Relief, Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength, Pataday Twice A Day Relief, Pataday, Pazeo
Drug class: Ophthalmic antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Pataday?

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

Pataday (for the eye) is used to treat eye itching caused by allergies.

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

Pataday side effects

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

Pataday may cause serious side effects. Stop using Pataday and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye pain or changes in vision;

• eye itching that gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours;

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Less serious 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.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Pataday if you are allergic to it.

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

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pataday is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I use Pataday?

Use 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. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

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.

Related/similar drugs

ketorolac ophthalmic, olopatadine ophthalmic, Lotemax, Patanol, 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 Pataday 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 olopatadine ophthalmic?

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

What other drugs will affect Pataday?

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication 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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