Olopatadine

Olopatadine is a antiallergic antihistamine; mast-cell stabilizer medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Allergic conjunctivitis, including itchy, red, watery eyes, when supplied as eye drops.
• Allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and nasal congestion, when supplied as nasal spray or oral tablet where approved.
• Other allergic conditions only if specifically prescribed by a registered doctor according to local approval and patient need.

The dose and frequency of Olopatadine depend on the dosage form, strength, age, symptoms, and the doctor’s instructions. Eye drops are usually placed into the affected eye(s), nasal spray is used in the nostrils, and tablets are swallowed by mouth as prescribed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how to use the product.

• Eye drops: temporary burning or stinging, dry eye, blurred vision, eye irritation, headache, or an unusual taste.
• Nasal spray: bitter taste, nasal irritation or dryness, nosebleed, sore throat, cough, headache, or sleepiness.
• Tablets: drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, or stomach discomfort.
• Serious but uncommon: allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or breathing difficulty; severe eye pain, vision changes, or persistent eye redness; severe or recurrent nosebleeds.

Use Olopatadine carefully if you have significant eye infection or eye injury, persistent vision problems, frequent nosebleeds, severe nasal irritation, liver or kidney disease, or if you need to drive or operate machinery and the medicine makes you sleepy. Remove soft contact lenses before using eye drops unless the product leaflet or doctor says otherwise, and wait before reinserting them. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives, sleeping tablets, some antidepressants, opioids, or other antihistamines, may increase sleepiness, especially with tablets or nasal spray.
• Using multiple antihistamines together may increase side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, or drowsiness unless advised by a doctor.
• If using other eye drops, separate applications as advised by a doctor or pharmacist to avoid washing out the medicine.
• If using other nasal sprays, ask a doctor or pharmacist how to space them and avoid excessive nasal irritation.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to olopatadine or any ingredient in the product.
• Do not use an eye drop in the nose or mouth, a nasal spray in the eyes, or any formulation in a way not intended for that product.
• Do not use for undiagnosed severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or severe nasal symptoms without medical assessment.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, Olopatadine should be used only when a registered doctor considers it necessary. Eye drops and nasal sprays usually have lower whole-body exposure than tablets, but medical advice is still recommended, especially for long-term use or high-dose use.

Store at room temperature away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Keep the bottle or strip tightly closed, do not touch the dropper or spray tip to any surface, and keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date or if the solution changes colour or becomes contaminated.