Pataday™ (
olopatadine ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eyedrop used for the treatment of itchy eyes due to eye
allergies (known medically as allergic conjunctivitis). The medication can successfully treat eye allergies with just one dose per day.
Who Makes This Medication?
Pataday is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Pataday belongs to a group of allergy medications known as antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). In addition to blocking histamine receptors, Pataday seems to decrease the release of histamine from cells in the body. Since the symptoms of allergic reactions are partly caused by histamine, Pataday can help prevent or relieve
allergy symptoms.
When and How to Take the Drug
General considerations to keep in mind when taking Pataday include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eyedrop. It is used in each eye just once a day.
- It does not matter what time of day you use Pataday, but it is best to take it at the same time each day.
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing some of the ingredients in the medication, be sure to wait at least 10 minutes after using Pataday before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- For Pataday to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
There is only one standard recommended dose for this product. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Pataday can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Pataday include but are not limited to:
- Sore throat
- Other symptoms of the common cold
- Burning or stinging.
(Click Pataday Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Pataday if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an overdose with this medication. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Pataday Be Stored?
Pataday should be stored upright between 36°F and 77° F. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Pataday as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Pataday comes in one strength -- Pataday 0.2%, available in a 4-mL bottle.
