Patanol Eye Drops: Uses, Benefits & How They Work

Itchy red eyes are a common symptom of allergies. While using systemic medications to treat allergies can help lessen eye symptoms, eye drops to treat allergic conjunctivitis are often more effective; Patanol is an example of one of these eye drops.

Indication

• Patanol (olopatadine hydrochloride) is FDA-approved for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis; the eye drops are used once or twice a day as prescribed by a doctor.

Class of Medication

• Patanol is an antihistamine, which works by blocking the actions of histamine; blocking histamine stops the itching, burning and redness of allergic conjunctivitis.

Benefits

• Patanol only has to be taken once or two times a day; it can also be used by contact lens wearers -- the contact lens should be placed 10-15 minutes after using the eye drop.

Side Effects

• Side effects associated with Patanol include headache, burning of the eye upon application, eyelid swelling or foreign body sensation; report these to the prescribing physician.

Considerations: Infection or Allergic Reaction

• Patanol should not be used if there is an infection in the eye; stop using Patanol if there is severe redness, swelling, crusting or draining after using the eye drop.

Considerations: Pregnancy

• Alert the physician if pregnancy is planned as there are questions about the effects of this medication on a fetus; tell the doctor if breast-feeding.