Alercon

Indications

Olopatadine is an anti-allergy medicine. It is used:

• As eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red, watery eyes caused by pollen, dust, pet hair and similar triggers).
• As a nasal spray, in some products, for allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny or blocked nose from allergy).

How It Works

Olopatadine blocks histamine, a chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction. It also stops mast cells (allergy cells in the eye and nose) from releasing more histamine. This relieves itching and redness, often within minutes.

Dosage and Administration

• Eye drops 0.1%, adults and children aged 3 years and over: 1 drop in each affected eye twice a day, about 8 hours apart.
• Eye drops 0.2%: 1 drop in each affected eye once a day.
• Nasal spray: as directed on the pack or by a doctor, usually 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day for adults.
• Younger children: only as prescribed.

Wash your hands before use. Do not let the dropper tip touch the eye or any surface. If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them. Remove soft contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Interactions

No important interactions are known with eye drops, as very little reaches the blood. Separate it from other eye drops by at least 5 minutes. Other antihistamines or sedating medicines may add to drowsiness with the nasal spray.

Contraindications

• Allergy to olopatadine or any ingredient of the product, including the preservative benzalkonium chloride.

Side Effects

Eye drops: brief stinging or burning, blurred vision for a short time, dry eyes, a bitter taste, and headache.

Nasal spray: bitter taste, nosebleeds, nasal discomfort and drowsiness.

Get urgent medical help for eye pain, a sudden change in vision, severe redness or swelling of the eye, or signs of a serious allergy such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing. Stop using it and see a doctor if the eye becomes more irritated or symptoms last more than a few days.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Very little is absorbed from eye drops, but there is limited information in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if a doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• It is for allergy only. Eye pain, discharge (pus), or a red eye after injury may be an infection or something more serious and needs a doctor.
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
• Vision may be blurred briefly after use; wait until it clears before driving.
• Do not share eye drops, and throw away the bottle 4 weeks after opening.

Overdose

Too many drops in the eye are unlikely to cause harm; rinse with clean water. If a bottle is swallowed by a child, contact a doctor for advice.

Therapeutic Class

Antihistamine and mast cell stabiliser (anti-allergic, eye and nose preparations).

Storage

Store below 30°C, away from light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after opening. Keep out of reach of children.