Olopatadine Ophthalmic Solution: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Precautions and Warnings With Olopatadine Ophthalmic Solution
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to using olopatadine ophthalmic solution include the following:
- Olopatadine ophthalmic solution is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it might be unsafe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not currently known (see Patanol and Pregnancy).
- It is unknown if olopatadine ophthalmic solution passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to using the drug (see Patanol and Breastfeeding).
- If you wear contact lenses, you must remove them to use the drops. In order to prevent the lens from absorbing the medication, make sure to wait 10 minutes after using olopatadine ophthalmic solution before reinserting the lens. Do not wear your contact lenses if your eye is still red.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- Olopatadine ophthalmic solution is only approved for use as an eyedrop. It should not be taken by mouth or by injection.
