How to Use Patanol Drops

Patanol is an eye drop that contains the active drug, Olopatadine. The eye drops are used as an antihistamine to treat eye inflammations that are caused by allergies, also referred to as "Allergic Conjunctivitis." The eye drops can be used by both adults and children provided that the individual taking the drops has a prescription from his doctor. If you are taking any other medications, are pregnant, or have any other existing medical conditions, be sure to advise your doctor before getting a prescription for the Patanol drops.

Instructions

• 1

  Ensure that your Patanol Drops have not reached their expiration date, since the expired drops can be ineffective. The expiration date can be found on the packaging for the drops.

• 2

  Avoid using your Patanol Drops while you have contact lenses on. After using the Patanol Drops, you should wait at least 3 minutes before putting on your contacts.

• 3

  Refrain from using any other eye drops while you are taking Patanol, unless the other drops have been approved by your doctor. This is because the other drops might cause a drug interaction with the Patanol or decrease the effectiveness of your drops.

• 4

  Place one to two drops of Patanol in each affected eye. The doctor will advise you how often the drops need to be put in your eye, but the treatment is typically twice daily. Consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or read your prescription label for personalized dosage instructions.

• 5

  Close your eye immediately after the drops have been dispersed. Place your finger on the inside corner of your eye while it is closed. Apply mild pressure with your finger for 2 minutes.

• 6

  Continue taking your Patanol Drops until your doctor advises you to quit, even if it appears that your eye condition has healed. If you stop taking your drops before it is time, chances are that your eye condition will not be completely healed.