Patanol Side Effects

Patanol is the brand name of the ophthalmic medication olopatadine hydrochloride, used to treat allergy symptoms in the eyes such as watering, inflammation and itching. Distributed by Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Patanol is associated with numerous side effects, but they are not common. The medication is not to be used when wearing contact lenses.

Most Common Side Effect

• In clinical studies with Patanol, headaches were experienced by 7 percent of participants in some studies. This was the most common side effect reported.

Side Effects Associated with the Eyes

• Fewer than 5 percent of participants reported side effects associated with the eyes, including blurred vision, burning or stinging eyes, dry eyes, sensation of something in the eyes, redness and eyelid swelling. Researchers noted these could actually be allergy symptoms.

Other Side Effects

• Many other side effects were experienced by fewer than 5 percent of participants using Patanol. These include altered taste, nausea, sinus infections, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose and weakness.

Keratitis

• Rarely, people experience inflammation of the thin layer over the front of the eye when using Patanol. This condition is called keratitis.

Infections

• Another rare side effect is an eye infection caused by contamination to the eye dropper, by touching the tip to the eye, hand or any other surface. Symptoms include pain, swelling, burning, drainage or crusting.