Opatanol Eye Drops

Opatanol eye drops contain olopatadine hydrochloride, a dual-action antihistamine and mast cell stabiliser used to treat the eye symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis — the itchy, red, watery, and swollen eyes associated with hay fever and pollen allergies. Unlike some antihistamine eye drops that only block histamine after it has been released, olopatadine both blocks histamine receptors and helps prevent mast cells from releasing histamine in the first place, giving it a more comprehensive anti-allergic effect. Opatanol is suitable for adults and children aged 3 and over and is available on prescription through Access Doctor following a short online consultation.

Opatanol eye drops work quickly, with most people noticing relief from itching, redness, and irritation within approximately 30 minutes of applying the drops. Clinical studies have shown that Opatanol remains effective for up to 8 hours after each dose, which is why it is dosed twice daily at 8-hour intervals rather than more frequently. If you know you are going to be exposed to pollen or another allergen, using Opatanol before going outside can also help to prevent symptoms from developing.

The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye or eyes, twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening, ideally spaced 8 hours apart. Before applying the drops, wash your hands thoroughly. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and drop the medicine into this pocket. Close your eye for a minute or two after applying. Never touch the dropper tip to your eye, eyelids, or any other surface, as this can contaminate the bottle. If you are using any other eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between each medication.

You should remove your contact lenses before using Opatanol eye drops. The drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may discolour or damage them. After applying the drops, wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses. If your eyes are red or irritated, it is best to avoid wearing contact lenses altogether until your symptoms have improved. Do not use Opatanol to treat irritation caused by contact lens use.

Opatanol is generally well tolerated, with only around 4.5% of patients in clinical studies experiencing any side effects. The most commonly reported ones include mild eye irritation, a temporary stinging or burning sensation after applying the drops, headache, a bitter or unusual taste in the mouth, and dry eyes. Blurred vision can also occur briefly after application — if this happens, wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction can occur. If you experience significant pain, worsening redness, or any swelling of the face or throat, stop using the drops and seek medical attention promptly.

Opatanol can be used for up to 4 months continuously if considered necessary by your doctor — making it suitable for use throughout a full hay fever season. This is longer than many other allergy eye drops, which are typically limited to 6 weeks. However, you should only use it for as long as your doctor has advised and always complete a review with your clinician at Access Doctor if you need to continue treatment beyond the initial prescription period.

Opatanol is not recommended during pregnancy, as there is limited data on its safety in pregnant women and animal studies have shown some effects at high systemic doses. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak to your GP before using Opatanol so they can advise on the safest treatment option for you. Opatanol should not be used while breastfeeding, as animal studies have shown that olopatadine can pass into breast milk and a risk to newborns cannot be excluded. Always consult your doctor before using any eye drops during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.