Olopatadine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
What is olopatadine?
Olopatadine is an ophthalmic solution that is used to treat eye infections and allergies. It is a prescription drug that comes under different brand names including Patanol, Pazeo, and Pataday. It is an antihistamine that reduces or blocks the biochemical histamine that causes allergy manifested by irritation and watery eyes.
Olopatadine belongs to a class of medications called cell stabilizers that prevent histamine release and stop eye itching. These eye drops are used in various eye allergies and infections.
What are the uses of olopatadine?
Different substances or allergens such as pollen, grass, dander, ragweed or animal fur can cause allergic conjunctivitis and result in red and itchy eyes. Your doctor will prescribe olopatadine ophthalmic drops to help relieve eye allergies. These eye drops block the release of the natural chemical histamine and decrease the inflammation, redness and itchiness in the eye.
Nonetheless, some eye infections can differ, and one should consult an expert before putting these eye drops in their eye.