Olopatadine
Allergy · OTC (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.7%)
Trade namesPataday Once Daily / Twice Daily, Patanol, Pazeo
Drug classAntihistamine + mast-cell stabilizer (dual-acting)
Strength0.1% (BID), 0.2% (QD), 0.7% (QD, Pazeo)
AvailabilityOTC (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.7%)
Mechanism of actionSelective H1-antagonist with mast-cell stabilizing activity; inhibits histamine release and downstream mediator cascade.
Indication / reason for useAllergic conjunctivitis, ocular itching, redness, chemosis; seasonal and perennial.
Usual adult dosing0.1% one drop in each eye twice daily; 0.2%/0.7% one drop once daily.
PreservativeBAK 0.01%
Contact lensesRemove lenses before use; wait 10-15 min before reinserting. Do not use to treat lens-related irritation.
Common / important adverse effectsHeadache, mild burning, dry eye, dysgeusia (higher strengths).
Contraindications & cautionsHypersensitivity.
Pregnancy / lactationLimited data; considered acceptable when needed.
Practice notesDual-acting agents work best when started before the allergy season.
Chair-side reference only. Dosing, contraindications and pregnancy guidance here are not exhaustive. Confirm against the current prescribing information and the patient’s full history before prescribing or advising.