Olopatadine HCL (Patanase)

What is Olopatadine HCL?

Olopatadine HCL is a nasal spray used for the relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is an antihistamine medication and works to prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis by preventing the release of histamines in the body. Histamines are natural chemicals produced by the body in response to allergies. It is sold under the brand name Patanase in the US.

What is Olopatadine used for? What does Olopatadine do?

Olopatadine HCL is used to treat the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) such as sneezing, itchy or runny nose, or itchy eyes. 

How long does it take for Olopatadine to work?

Olopatadine can begin working in as little as 30 minutes.

Is Olopatadine HCL available over the counter?

Olopatadine is not available without a doctor’s prescription. If you would like Olopatadine HCL spray, complete the consultation form on the Medzino website, and one of our trusted doctors will determine if the medication is suitable for you.

Where can I buy Olopatadine HCL?

You can purchase Olopatadine HCL online at Medzino. After filling out our online consultation form, one of our doctors will determine if the medication is safe to prescribe. After this, our pharmacy will ship it right to your door in plain discreet packaging.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient is Olopatadine Hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients include: Benzalkonium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate (Dibasic), Edetate disodium, Sodium Chloride, Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide and water.  

Are there any ingredients in Olopatadine HCL which can cause an allergic reaction?

If you are allergic to any of the individual ingredients in the spray, let your doctor know, and they will determine if the medication is suitable for you. If you start using the medication and notice any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop immediately, and seek medical treatment. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, face or lip swelling, or hives. 

Olopatadine dosage

Olopatadine HCL nasal spray should be used two times a day. During each use, administer two sprays into each nostril and wipe the applicator after each use. 

How do I use Olopatadine HCL?

Before using the nasal spray, it needs to be primed. This means the delivery system should be sprayed five times or until you notice a fine mist coming out of the applicator. When using the spray, blow your nose and clear your nostrils. Then insert the applicator into your nose, keeping the applicator upright, and your head tilted downwards. While administering the medication into one nostril, close off the other nostril. Take a deep breath through your nose. During inhalation, press the applicator to release the medication. It is advised to alternate sprays between nostrils. Use a tissue/cloth to clean the tip of the applicator after each use. If you have not used the spray for more than seven days, you should reprime the delivery system with two sprays or until a fine mist appears. 

How long do I use Olopatadine for?

Olopatadine should be used as directed by your doctor. It is always important to follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare professional.  The length of time you take the medication will depend on the medical problem you are using it for. 

Olopatadine side effects

All medications come with side effects. You might not experience all the side effects or any at all, but if you notice any of these, let your physician know and get medical attention. 

Less common side effects:

• Pain in your bladder
• Bloody nose
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Difficulty urinating or painful urination
• Increased urge to urinate
• Pain in your lower back or side
• Sore throat

Rare side effects:

• Chills
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Feeling generally unwell
• Headache
• Painful joints
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Shivering
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Unusual malaise (general discomfort, uneasiness, or pain)
• Vomiting

Incidence not known

• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate 
• Shortness of breath
• Skin itching, rash, or redness
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Bad breath 
• Vomiting of blood

Can Olopatadine cause dry eyes?

Olopatadine HCL nasal spray is not known to cause dry eyes. Dry eyes are a common side effect for the Olopatadine HCL eye drops. 

Can Olopatadine HCL raise blood pressure?

Olopatadine does not raise blood pressure.

Drug interactions

There are four drugs that should not be used in conjunction with Olopatadine HCL spray. These are Amifampridine, Bupropion, Donepezil, and Pitolisant. It is essential to let your doctor know of any medications you are taking to make sure they are prescribing you a safe treatment. 

Use of Olopatadine nasal spray is not recommended in the presence of recent injury to the inside of your nose, sores, or ulcers in your nose or frequent nose bleeds. Make sure to let your prescribing doctor know about any current medical conditions you may have. 

Is Olopatadine safe during pregnancy?

The FDA has graded Olopatadine HCL as category C for pregnancy. Therefore, It is advisable to avoid the use of Olopatadine HCl while pregnant, unless necessary.  There are no controlled studies regarding the safe use of Olopatadine HCl during pregnancy. Your doctor will have to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding if Olopatadine HCl is suitable for you.  If you are pregnant or planning on conceiving soon, let your doctor know. 

Olopatadine eye drops

Olopatadine HCl is also available in eye drop form. This is sold under the names Pataday, Patanol, and Pazeo. It is another antihistamine medication and is mainly used to treat the ophthalmic symptom of itchy eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis and pink eye. It can also be used to relieve itchy eyes or red eyes caused by allergens such as pollen or dander.  Olopatadine eye drops are available in 0.1% and 0.2% formulations with a doctor's prescription.