What is "olopatadine"

n. A particular antihistamine used in eye drops to treat allergic conjunctivitis.

Olopatadine hydrochloride is an antihistamine (as well as anticholinergic and mast cell stabilizer), sold as a prescription eye drop manufactured by Alcon in one of three strengths: 0.7% solution or Pazeo in the US, 0.2% solution or Pataday (also called Patanol S in some countries), and 0.1% or Patanol (also called Opatanol in some countries). It is used to treat itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergies). A decongestant nasal spray formulation is sold as Patanase, which was approved by the FDA on April 15, 2008. It is also available as an oral tablet in Japan under the tradename Allelock, manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo.

It should not be used to treat irritation caused by contact lenses. The usual dose for Patanol is 1 drop in each affected eye 2 times per day, with 6 to 8 hours between doses. Both Pazeo and Pataday are dosed 1 drop in each eye daily.

There is potential for Olopatadine as a treatment modality for steroid rebound (red skin syndrome).

Olopatadine was developed by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo.