Olopatadine 0.1% / 0.2% Eye Drops

How it works

Olopatadine is a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist that also stabilises conjunctival mast cells, reducing both the immediate histamine-mediated response and the release of further inflammatory mediators in the eye.

Prescribing in practice

• It treats allergic eye symptoms only and is not a treatment for eye infection, so a red eye with pain, discharge or reduced vision should be reassessed rather than assumed to be allergy.
• Contact lenses should be removed before instillation because of the preservative, and reinserted only after a short interval.
• Confirm the strength, as the 0.1% is typically used twice daily and the 0.2% once daily.

Monitoring

Routine laboratory monitoring is not required; review symptom control and reconsider the diagnosis if redness or irritation worsens.

Counselling the patient

• Use as a regular preventive drop during the allergy season for best effect rather than only when symptoms flare.
• Remove contact lenses before the drop and wait a short while before putting them back in.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes and seek review if vision changes or pain develops.

Evidence & guidelines

Dual-acting antihistamine/mast-cell-stabiliser drops are an established treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, with efficacy and tolerability supported by the SPC and ophthalmology allergy guidance.