Patanol

What is the most important information I should know about Patanol?

• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
• Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.
  

What is Patanol?

• Patanol is an antihistamine. It inhibits the release of histamine in the body (which causes allergic symptoms) after exposure to an allergen.
• Patanol is used to treat ocular (eye) symptoms of allergic conditions, such as inflammation, itching, watering, and burning.
• Patanol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
  

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Patanol?

• Do not use Patanol if you have a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in your eye unless you are also receiving proper anti-infective treatment.
• Patanol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Patanol will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether Patanol passes into breast milk. Do not use Patanol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Patanol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
  

How should I use Patanol?

• Use Patanol eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops.
• To apply the eyedrops:
  · Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
• Patanol is usually applied twice a day with 6 to 8 hours between doses. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
• Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
• Store Patanol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
  

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.
  

What happens if I overdose?

• An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested (taken by mouth), drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.
  

What should I avoid while using Patanol?

• Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
• Patanol contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), so do not wear contact lenses while applying this medication. Contact lenses can be inserted about 15 minutes after a dose.
• Avoid other eyedrops unless your doctor approves.
  

What are the possible side effects of Patanol?

• Serious side effects from Patanol are not likely to occur. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Patanol and talk to your doctor if you experience
  · burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, or dryness of the eyes;
  · swollen eyelids;
  · a stuffy or runny nose;
  · headache; or
  · changes in taste.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
  

What other drugs will affect Patanol?

• Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Patanol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
  

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about Patanol written for health professionals that you may read.