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Olopatadine Nasal Spray
Olopatadine nasal spray is a medication used for treating seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. By preventing histamine from binding to histamine receptors, the medicine can help decrease nasal symptoms within 30 minutes of use. Olopatadine nasal spray, which is generally used twice a day, is available by prescription and comes in one strength only.
Olopatadine nasal spray (Patanase®) is a prescription medication approved to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and nasal itching (known medically as rhinitis) caused by seasonal allergies in adults and children ages six years and older.
(Click What Is Olopatadine Nasal Spray Used For? for more information on olopatadine nasal spray uses, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with olopatadine nasal spray. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of olopatadine nasal spray include, but are not limited to:
- Bitter taste
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Throat pain.
(Click Side Effects of Olopatadine Nasal Spray to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD