Opatanol

Opatanol clear eye drop solution contains the active ingredient olopatadine, which is used to treat eye-related symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation in the eyes of people with hay fever that occurs in pollen season. Symptoms include redness, swelling and itching in eyes.

The active ingredient in Opatanol is called olopatadine hydrochloride which belongs to the clad of drugs known as antihistamines. Antihistamines block the actions of histamine, a substance the body produces as a defence mechanism. 

Histamine is released by mast cells where it is stored when the body reacts to foreign substances called allergens. The histamine binds to H1 receptors causing a chain reaction, which in turn produces allergic symptoms such as inflammation, swelling and itching. The olopatadine in Opatanol blocks the histamine receptors in the eyes, hence preventing such allergic symptoms.

Opatanol is an eye drop solution that is to be applied to the affected eyes. You should wash your hands before using these eye drops and use them according to your doctor’s prescription. Do not use the eye drops in excess or going against your doctor’s recommendation as it can lead to further harm. The general dosage of the medication is as follows:

Opatanol Dosage

Opatanol is prescribed for both adults and children above the age of 3. The typical dose is one drop into the affected eye or both eyes, twice a day. The drops should be administered 8 hours apart from each other. The treatment of Opatanol can continue up to 4 months if necessary.

If you miss a dose of Opatanol, you can either administer the dose as soon as you remember it or skip the dose if it is almost time for the next one. Do not apply a double dose of Opatanol if you miss a dose.

Side Effects

Opatanol has certain side effects on some individuals. These side effects may not occur at all or may be non-serious in most cases. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor right away without any delay.

Some common side effects of Opatanol include:

• Fatigue
• Eye pain or irritation.
• Dry eyes.
• Abnormal sensation in the eyes.
• Headache
• Unusual taste.
• Dryness in the nose.

Opatanol may also have some more serious but uncommon side effects including:

• Blurred vision.
• Discharge from the eye or Eye discomfort
• Watery and red eyes.
• Keratitis
• Staining or other disorders of the cornea.
• Redness, swelling or itching on the eyelids.
• Dry skin or rashes
• Blocked or runny nose
• Dizziness
• Reduced sensation.

If you notice any of the above side effects or serious ones, including vision changes, nausea, fatigue or a serious allergic reaction to the medicine, get immediate medical attention from your doctor or general physician.

Since everyone reacts to medicines differently, this may not be a complete list of all possible side effects. If you notice other effects not mentioned above, contact your pharmacist or physician for more information.

Warnings

Before taking Opatanol, you should know that:

• Opatanol is an anti-allergic agent, which may cause serious reactions such as hypersensitivity in some individuals.
• Opatanol may also cause eye irritation due to having benzalkonium chloride. This can also cause punctate keratopathy and/or toxic ulcerative keratopathy.

Precautions

While taking Opatanol you should follow some precautions such as:

• Benzalkonium found in this medicine can colour soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before administering this medicine and wait at least 15 minutes of application before you wear the lenses again.
• Eye drops may cause blurry vision temporarily. Ensure not to drive, operate machinery or engage in anything that requires full attention and vision right after using these drops.
• Ensure you do not touch the top of the dropper to any surface or your eye as this can contaminate the medicine.
• Discard the eye drops 4 weeks after opening the bottle as it can get contaminated and cause eye infections.

High-Risk Groups

High-risk groups of this medication include:

• Women who breastfeed
• If you are allergic to any ingredient.

Opatanol is indicated in the treatment of:

• Treatment of ocular signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

You can purchase Opatanol eye drop online from the convenience of your own home by visiting [this website] and filling out a prescription form. These eye drops should be used according to your doctor’s prescription and the directions found in the patient leaflet. Any misuse of the drug can have potentially harmful effects on your health.