Olopatadine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is olopatadine?

Use temporarily relieves itchy eyes due to pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander

What kind of drug is olopatadine?

The FDA classifies olopatadine as a histamine-1 receptor antagonist. H1 antihistamines work by blocking histamine, the chemical released during an allergic reaction, from attaching to H1 receptors. This prevents the sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and hives that histamine would otherwise trigger. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take olopatadine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run olopatadine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is olopatadine sold under?

We track 3 olopatadine-containing products in the U.S.: Patanase, Olopatadine Hydrochloride and Pataday Once Daily Relief. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does olopatadine come in?

Across the brands we track, olopatadine is currently marketed as spray/inhaler, metered, solution, drops and spray/inhaler, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic olopatadine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic olopatadine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.