What is Patanol used for?

Patanol belongs to the groups of medicine called antihistamines and anti allergics.

Patanol is used for controlling conjunctivitis caused by seasonal conditions. This form of conjunctivitis results in inflamation of the eye caused by pollens and is characterised by watery, itchy and/or red eyes.

Before using Patanol

See your doctor to confirm whether Patanol is right for your condition.

Do not use Patanol if you are allergic to Olopatadine

Avoid using Patanol just before bathing, showering or swimming as these activities may reduce the effectiveness of Patanol.

Do not use if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering

Do not use Patanol is it passed its expiry date printed on the bottle or packaging. Patanol may not work after its expiry date.

Patanol is an eye drop medication only and should not be swallowed or injected

If you are pregnant or wanting to become pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of using Patanol with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor if you are breast feeding or intending to breast feed your baby while using Patanol.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines including homeopathic remedies. Other medications may reduce the effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects if they are used in conjunction with Patanol.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose is one or two drops for each affected eye. However you are strongly advised to only Patanol as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your fingers or against other surfaces as this may result in contamination of the eye drops.

Directions for use

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Shake the bottle
3. Remove the cap from the bottle
4. Hold the bottle upside down in one hand between your thumb and middle finger
5. Tilt your head backand look up
6. Using your other hand, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pouch or pocket.
7. Put the tip of the dropper close to the eye. Release one drop into the pouch/pocket by gently tapping or pressing the base of the bottle with your forefinger
8. Close the eye gently and press on the inside corner of the eye with the pad of your index finger for 2 minutes
9. Replace the cap on the bottle, closing it tightly
10. Wash your hands again with soap and water to remove any residue

There might be a slight burning sensation in the eye shortly after using Patanol. If it persists or is very uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use Patanol you should put the drops in your eyes as sson as you remember then go back to your normal dosage routine.

If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose that you missed and continue using as recommended. Do not double up on doses of Patanol.

Side Effects

All medicines can produce side effects. Sometimes they are serious, however on most occasions they are not. You should seek medical attention if do not feel well while using Patanol.

Patanol is generally well tolerated. Reactions that have been reported include:

• headache
• discharge
• swelling of the eyelid
• blurred vision
• gritty eye
• dry eye
• itching
• sensitivity to sunlight
• tiredness

Do not feel alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Stop using Patanol and tell your doctor immediately at the first sign of skin rash or any other sign of allergy.

Storage

Store Patanol in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C or 77°F. Do not leave Patanol in the car, bathroom of other warm, damp places. heat and temperature can destroy some medicines.

Do not refrigerate Patanol.

Store Patanol away from children

Disposal

Discard unfinished bottles of Patanol 4 weeks after it has been opened. Write the date the bottle was opened on the label to remind you when to discard the bottle.