Olopatadine

Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.

Generic name
olopatadine
Brand names
Patanol, Pataday, Patanase
Drug class
Antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer
Form
Ophthalmic solution (0.1%, 0.2%), nasal spray
Route
Ophthalmic and intranasal
Legal status
Prescription-only and over-the-counter (OTC) products available depending on formulation and region; OTC status confirmed for olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution in the US

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · Canada

Australia: · Full directory

What olopatadine is and how it works

Olopatadine is an antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer that blocks histamine release to prevent or control allergic symptoms. It is available as an ophthalmic solution for allergic conjunctivitis (including an OTC product for itchy/red eyes) and as a nasal spray for seasonal allergic rhinitis. (1) (2)

Approved uses depend on formulation. The ophthalmic drops treat ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis; the nasal spray treats seasonal allergy symptoms including congestion, runny nose, itching, and sneezing. An OTC 0.1% ophthalmic product is labeled for temporary relief of itchy and red eyes from pollen, ragweed, grass, and animal dander. Prescription products require a healthcare provider diagnosis; OTC use should follow label directions, and the label advises consulting a doctor if eye pain, vision changes, increased redness, or persistent/worsening itching or redness occur.

Mechanism of action: how olopatadine works

Olopatadine is a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine; it inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, thereby preventing or controlling allergic symptoms. (1) (2)

What olopatadine is used for

Allergic conjunctivitis (ophthalmic)

Olopatadine 0.1% and 0.2% ophthalmic solutions are indicated for symptomatic management of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. The OTC 0.1% product is labeled for temporary relief of itchy and red eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, and animal hair/dander. (1) (2)

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)

Olopatadine nasal spray is indicated for symptomatic relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis, including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), itching, and sneezing. (1)

Before taking olopatadine

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not use ophthalmic olopatadine if you have a known hypersensitivity to olopatadine or any product ingredient. (ophthalmic formulations) (1)
  • Do not use ophthalmic olopatadine to treat contact lens-related eye irritation. (ophthalmic formulations) (2)
  • Do not use ophthalmic olopatadine if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy. (ophthalmic formulations) (2)
  • The manufacturer's labeling for olopatadine nasal spray states no contraindications are known; if you have had a prior allergic reaction to olopatadine, tell your prescriber so they can assess whether nasal spray use is appropriate. (nasal spray) (1)

Tell your clinician about

  • Whether you wear contact lenses — soft lenses must be removed before ophthalmic dosing; do not wear contacts if the eye is red.
  • Any history of eye problems, especially eye pain, vision changes, or increased redness.
  • Any nasal conditions such as nosebleeds, nasal sores, or previous nasal septum problems.
  • If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding (pregnancy/lactation guidance not established from current research).
  • All medicines you take, especially alcohol or central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as the nasal spray may cause drowsiness.
  • If the intended patient is a child under 2 years (for OTC ophthalmic use) or if prescription pediatric dosing is being considered (exact pediatric dosing not captured in this research).
(1) (2)

How to take olopatadine

  • The dosing schedule depends on the formulation and indication; use only as directed by your healthcare provider or according to the OTC label.
  • Ophthalmic 0.1% (Patanol or OTC generic): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice daily, every 6 to 8 hours, no more than twice per day.
  • Ophthalmic 0.2% (Pataday): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.
  • Nasal spray (Patanase): 2 sprays in each nostril twice daily.
  • Do not change the dose, frequency, or product without consulting a healthcare professional.
  • For ophthalmic use, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye medication.
  • Remove soft contact lenses before administering ophthalmic drops; the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed. Wait at least 10 minutes (per OTC label) before reinserting lenses. Refer to product-specific instructions for exact reinsertion time.
  • Do not touch the container tip to any surface to avoid contamination.
(1) (2)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)

Missed dose

Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one; follow the product label or consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Overdose

If you have concerns about accidental overdose or ingestion, contact your healthcare provider or a poison control service for guidance. (1) (2)

Side effects

Side effects vary by formulation. The lists below reflect effects reported in the sources reviewed for this page.

Ophthalmic: headache, cold-like symptoms, pharyngitis

What to notice: Headache, runny nose, sore throat, or general cold symptoms.

What to do: These are typically mild. Talk to your healthcare provider if they become bothersome or persistent. (1)

Nasal spray: bitter taste, epistaxis, headache, pharyngeal pain, postnasal drip

What to notice: Unpleasant taste in the mouth, nosebleeds, headache, sore throat, or feeling of mucus in the back of the throat.

What to do: Report persistent or severe nosebleeds, worsening throat pain, or bothersome taste to your prescriber. (1)

Eye pain, vision changes, or increased redness (ophthalmic)

What to notice: New or worsening eye pain, blurred vision, or redness that does not improve or gets worse.

What to do: Seek medical assessment promptly; the clinician you see can advise on whether to continue or stop use. (2)

Nasal ulceration or septal perforation (nasal spray)

What to notice: Recurrent nosebleeds, persistent nasal pain, crusting, or whistling sound when breathing.

What to do: Contact your prescriber for evaluation; these have been reported with nasal spray use. (1)

Somnolence or dizziness (nasal spray)

What to notice: Unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness that affects daily activities.

What to do: Consult your prescriber; caution is advised with driving or operating machinery. (1)

Serious warnings

Eye pain, vision changes, or increased redness — prompt clinician assessment (OTC label: consult a doctor)

Symptoms: Eye pain, vision changes, or an increase in eye redness after using the drops, or itching/redness lasting more than 72 hours or worsening.

Action: Contact a healthcare professional promptly for assessment; the clinician you see can advise on whether to continue or stop use. (2)

Nasal effects (epistaxis, nasal ulceration, or septal perforation) — reported effect requiring clinician assessment — specific urgency threshold not established in the sources reviewed

Symptoms: Reported nasal-spray effects have included epistaxis (nosebleed), nasal ulcerations, and nasal septal perforation.

Action: Contact your prescriber promptly if you notice recurrent or severe nosebleeds or other new nasal symptoms; they can assess for these effects. (1)

Somnolence (drowsiness) — caution

Symptoms: Somnolence has been reported with the nasal spray, especially if alcohol or other CNS depressants are used.

Action: If drowsiness affects your daily activities or safety, such as driving, contact your prescriber for advice. (1)

Interactions

Medicine or testEffectAction
Alcohol and other CNS depressantsConcomitant use with olopatadine nasal spray may increase the risk of somnolence and add to CNS depression.Avoid or limit alcohol and consult your healthcare provider before using other sedating medicines. (1)
No formal drug interaction studiesNo formal interaction studies have been conducted for ophthalmic or nasal formulations.Inform your prescriber about all prescription, OTC, and herbal products you use, even though no specific interactions are documented. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Children

For OTC ophthalmic 0.1% solution, dosing for children 2 years and older is the same as adults (1 drop twice daily). Children under 2 years: consult a doctor. Prescription pediatric dosing by age/weight per formulation was not captured in this research and is marked unresolved. Prescribers must consult the specific product label for pediatric indications. (2) (1)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

No specific pregnancy or lactation data or recommendations were captured in this research pass; regulatory categories and guidance are marked unresolved. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before using olopatadine.

Contact lens wearers

Soft contact lenses must be removed before ophthalmic dosing due to benzalkonium chloride preservative absorption. Wait at least 10 minutes (per OTC label) before reinserting; do not wear contact lenses if the eye is red. Follow product-specific instructions. (1) (2)

Patients with nasal disorders

The reviewed sources report epistaxis, nasal ulcerations, and nasal septal perforation as effects of the nasal spray, but do not provide specific guidance for people with a prior history of nasal ulcers, nasal surgery, or recurrent nosebleeds. This is unresolved; discuss your nasal history with your prescriber before using the nasal spray. (1)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Confirm the indication (allergic conjunctivitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis) and select the appropriate formulation.
  • For ophthalmic use: ask about contact lens wear.
  • For nasal use: ask about concurrent alcohol or other CNS depressant use.

During treatment

  • Ophthalmic (OTC): if eye pain, vision changes, increased redness, or itching/redness lasting more than 72 hours or worsening occurs, seek clinician assessment.
  • Nasal spray: be aware of reported epistaxis, nasal discomfort, and somnolence.
(1) (2)

Storage

For the OTC olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution, the label specifies storage between 4°C and 25°C (39°F to 77°F). Storage conditions for prescription Patanol/Pataday ophthalmic solutions and Patanase nasal spray were not established in the sources reviewed for this page and remain unresolved; refer to the individual product labeling.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local indication, dosing, formulation-specific instructions, and relevant guidelines. Pediatric, renal, hepatic, and pregnancy data are largely unresolved in this research pass; consult local product information.

All regions (US label data)

Indication: Allergic conjunctivitis (ophthalmic)

Dose summary: Adults: 0.1% solution: 1 drop in affected eye(s) twice daily (6-8 h apart). 0.2% solution: 1 drop once daily. OTC 0.1%: 1 drop twice daily (6-8 h apart) for adults and children ≥2 y.

Renal context: No renal impairment-specific dosing adjustment captured; marked unresolved. (1) (2)

All regions (US label data)

Indication: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)

Dose summary: Adults: 2 sprays (1200 mcg) in each nostril twice daily.

Renal context: Unresolved. (1)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

No data; impairment-specific dosing adjustments are unresolved.

Overdose note

If accidental ingestion or overdose is a concern, contact a poison control service or seek medical advice. (1) (2)

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear my contact lenses while using olopatadine eye drops?

No. Soft contact lenses should be removed before applying the drops because the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by the lenses and cause eye irritation. Wait at least 10 minutes (per OTC label) after administration before reinserting lenses. Do not wear contact lenses if your eye is red. (1) (2)

What is the difference between Patanol, Pataday, and the OTC olopatadine eye drops?

Patanol and the OTC product both contain olopatadine 0.1% and are used twice daily. Pataday contains olopatadine 0.2% and is used once daily. The OTC product is labeled for temporary relief of itchy and red eyes; Patanol and Pataday are prescription products indicated for allergic conjunctivitis. Always use the product recommended by your healthcare provider. (1) (2)

Can olopatadine nasal spray make me sleepy?

Yes, somnolence (drowsiness) has been reported. Use caution when driving or operating machinery, especially if you are also using alcohol or other CNS depressants. If you experience significant drowsiness, contact your prescriber. (1)

What is the mechanism of action of olopatadine?

Olopatadine is a mast cell stabilizer and antihistamine; it inhibits the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, thereby preventing or controlling allergic symptoms. (1) (2)

What is the generic name of Olopatadine?

The generic name is olopatadine. It is sold under brand names including Patanol, Pataday, Patanase. (1) (2)

What class of drug is olopatadine?

Olopatadine is classed as: Antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. (1) (2)

References

  1. Olopatadine Monograph for Professionals (FDA-label-sourced)Drugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
  2. OTC Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution 0.1% LabelU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 2
  3. RYALTRIS (OLOPATADINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND MOMETASONE FUROATE) SPRAY, METERED [GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
  4. Olopatadine Nasal Spray — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
  5. Equate Olopatadine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA206046)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
  6. olopatadine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 135391)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient olopatadine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Eye Allergy Itch Relief7 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL · dr. reddy's laboratories inc.
  • Eye Allergy Itch and Redness Relief1 mg/mL · cardinal health 110, llc. dba leader
  • PATADAY ONCE DAILY RELIEF2 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 7 mg/mL · alcon laboratories, inc.
  • Allergy Relief Eye Drops2 mg/mL, 7 mg/mL · cvs pharmacy
  • CVS Eye Allergy Itch Relief Once Daily1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL · cvs health corp
  • Retaine Allergy5 mg/2.5mL · ocusoft llc

Canada

  • PATANOL
  • PATADAY
View brands in additional countries.

This page provides general medicine information, not a diagnosis, prescription, or individualized treatment recommendation. Always consult the full prescribing information and a qualified healthcare professional for clinical decisions.

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