Olopatadine Teva 0.1%

Olopatadine Teva general information

What is Olopatadine Teva used for?

An allergy is the result of your immune system overreacting to a substance that is not generally harmful, known as an allergen.  Common seasonal allergens include pollen, and this allergy is called hay fever.  Seasonal allergy can affect the eyes, nose, and airways, a condition known as allergic rhinitis.  Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, runny, itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, itchy, red, and puffy eyes, and problems sleeping.  If the eyes are in contact with an allergen like pollen, they become increasingly irritated and inflamed, resulting in allergic conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.  Olopatadine Teva eye drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis to help relieve symptoms.

Allergic reaction

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system mistakenly sees a harmless substance, such as pollen as an invader that can cause harm to your body.  This triggers a local immune response called a hypersensitivity reaction.  A cascade of cell activation begins that results in the production of antibodies to defend you against the invader.  These antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin E (IgE) are produced by B cells of the immune system.  IgE it binds to receptors on other specialised cells of the immune system, including mast cells and basophils, which exist in most tissues of the body.  IgE stimulates the release of cell mediators such as histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines.  Histamine binds to receptors on small blood vessels, making them leaky and allowing more immune cells, proteins, and fluids to infiltrate the tissues to continue the fight against the invader.  Most of the symptoms of an allergy are due to histamine, including nasal congestion, runny, itchy nose, sneezing, tearing, itchy, red, and puffy eyes.  An allergic reaction can also cause red itchy lumps on the skin (hives). 

Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that lines the insides of the eyelids and covers the front of the eye, known as the sclera (the white of the eye).  The eyes are also sensitive to allergens like pollen, which can trigger an allergic reaction and the release of histamine into the tissues of the eye.  This causes irritation and inflammation of the eye as the conjunctiva becomes red and swollen.  As the allergic reaction progresses, symptoms worsen and cause watering, itching, redness, puffy eyes, swelling, and crusting of eyelids.  Seasonal allergies only cause symptoms at a certain time of year and usually appear in relation to the release of pollen, such as grass, or specific tree pollen.  Once the pollen that has caused the allergy is no longer in the air, symptoms are reduced.

How does Olopatadine Teva work?

Olopatadine Teva eye drops are anti-allergy eye drops that contain the antihistamine olopatadine and are used to treat Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. 

Olopatadine in Olopatadine Teva eye drops binds to the histamine H1 receptor on the conjunctival cells in the eye, including mast cells and epithelial cells.  Binding of olopatadine to the H1 receptor blocks histamine binding to this receptor.  This inhibits histamine-mediated actions, including the production of inflammatory chemicals from the conjunctiva that causes inflammation and swelling.  Olopatadine also acts on the mast cells to reduce the amount of histamine released. 

This dual action of Olopatadine Teva eye drops reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis like itchy, red, swollen, and watery eyes.

What does Olopatadine Teva contain?

Olopatadine Teva contains the active ingredient olopatadine 0.1% (1mg/ml), an antihistamine used to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.  They also contain benzalkonium chloride (preservative), sodium chloride dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, disodium phosphate anhydrous, and water.

What are the side effects of Olopatadine Teva?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Olopatadine Teva, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Olopatadine Teva include headache, distorted sense of taste, gritty eye, dry eye, burning, stinging, or itching eyes, nasal dryness, fatigue and tiredness.

When should Olopatadine Teva not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Olopatadine Teva so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Olopatadine Teva you should consider the following before taking Olopatadine Teva:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking Olopatadine Teva?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

How should Olopatadine Teva be used and for how long?

You should use your Olopatadine Teva eye drops by adding one drop or two drops into your affected eye(s) twice a day, morning and evening, using the dropper provided.  Remove soft contact lenses before adding your Olopatadine Teva eye drops and do not replace them until at least 10 minutes after adding the drops.  Do not use just before having a bath, shower, or going swimming.  You should continue to use Olopatadine Teva eye drops for as long as recommended by your health care provider, which may be for a few days or weeks but may be longer up to four months, if necessary.

Missed dose of Olopatadine Teva

If you miss a dose of Olopatadine Teva eye drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Olopatadine Teva be stored?

You should store your Olopatadine Teva eye drops below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.  Discard after four weeks.