PATADAY (OLOPATADINE)

Pataday Description

Pataday or generic Olopatadine can be prescribed by your doctor to relieve and reduce the symptoms of pink eye caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) or a foreign body (conjunctivitis) such as dust, dirt, or sand. This form of pink eye is not contagious but the symptoms can be as painful and irritating as pink eye caused by bacteria or a virus, which is very contagious. Pataday is an antihistamine eye solution that can be administered to children as young as three years to decrease the symptoms of itchy, red, watery eyes and can be used for up to four months. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Let Pataday Relieve Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids and covers the whites of your eyes (sclera). Pollen, dust, and other allergens can cause your body to produce histamine as a way of flushing out the allergen or sand, dirt, and other foreign bodies. Your nose runs, you sneeze, and your eyes water. When the blood vessels in your conjunctiva become inflamed, the veins swell and give your eye a pink tint. Instilling Pataday as directed blocks the histamine receptors in parts of your body so histamine cannot attach and cause the allergy symptoms. Inflammation and redness is reduced and symptoms are relieved.

Conditions Treated by Pataday

Some people may see spring and summer as a time to plant gardens, start hiking, and plan vacations while others see nothing but red, watery eyes and lots of tissues from sneezing from the pollen floating in the air. Those with indoor allergies can find it a challenge during any season when they are affected by pollution, certain scents, pet dander, or mold.

Pataday is not a cure for your allergies, but it can help to reduce the sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery eyes that itch. As an immune response to allergens, the body’s histamine believes it has a job to do to protect you and that involves increasing the permeability of your capillaries resulting in the increase of fluid production in your eyes and nose so the threat can be washed out of your body.

Before You Instill Pataday

Ask your doctor about the safety of using Pataday while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, so it can be determined if Pataday is safe for you to administer. If you are also using other ophthalmic medications, ask your doctor how long to wait before instilling Pataday.

Pataday Precautions

One of the ingredients of Pataday is benzalkonium chloride which can discolor soft contact lenses so you should remove them before instilling Pataday and wait at least fifteen minutes before putting them back in. Due to your vision being impaired for a time after Pataday has been instilled in your eye or eyes, you should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any tasks that could be unsafe until your vision has returned to normal.

Possible Side Effects of Pataday

• Stinging after dose application
• Headache
• Change in taste