Pataday 0.2% Eye Solution

Pataday 0.2% Eye Solution contains olopatadine hydrochloride 0.2%, a higher-concentration formulation of the same antihistamine and mast-cell-stabilizer used in Patanol, but developed specifically for once-daily dosing. It relieves the itching, redness, watering and mild swelling of allergic conjunctivitis by blocking the histamine responsible for these symptoms and by stabilizing the eye’s mast cells so they release less histamine over the following 24 hours.

Because it is formulated for once-a-day convenience rather than twice-daily use, Pataday is not simply a stronger version of Patanol to be dosed the same way — the two should not be interchanged without medical advice. Pataday is a prescription eye drop in Malaysia; a doctor needs to confirm the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis and check for contact lens use or other eye conditions before it is prescribed. Customers in Malaysia and Singapore can have an online consultation through DoctorOnCall, after which a registered pharmacist dispenses the medicine once a prescription is issued.

Olopatadine is a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist that also stabilizes ocular mast cells, the cells that release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals during an allergic reaction. In the 0.2% Pataday formulation, the higher concentration and once-daily design allow a single morning drop to control itching and redness for a full 24-hour period, rather than requiring a second dose later in the day as with the 0.1% twice-daily formulation.

Wash your hands before use. Tilt the head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and instil one drop into the affected eye without letting the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelid, fingers or any other surface. Close the eye gently and press lightly at the inner corner for about a minute to limit drainage into the tear duct. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Pataday and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them. Use the drop once daily at roughly the same time each day, as advised by your doctor.

The usual adult dose is one drop instilled into each affected eye once daily. It is intended for once-a-day use only and should not be applied more frequently than prescribed. Your doctor will advise on the expected duration of treatment based on how long your allergy symptoms are expected to last, and any change to dosing frequency should only be made on medical advice.

Use Pataday before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton while the bottle remains sealed. After opening, it is generally recommended to discard any remaining solution after 4 weeks, even if the bottle is not empty, since sterility can no longer be assured after this point. Always check the printed expiry date and do not use the product beyond it.

Store Pataday below 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, with the bottle cap tightly closed between uses. Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the solution if it has become discoloured or cloudy, and do not freeze it.

• Mild stinging or burning sensation immediately after the drop is instilled
• Headache
• Dry eye or a gritty, foreign-body sensation
• Brief blurred vision right after application
• Eye redness or mild irritation
• Dry mouth or unusual taste sensation
• Nasal dryness in some users
• Eyelid swelling in rare cases, which should be reported to your doctor

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to olopatadine or any other ingredient in the solution
• Not intended to treat contact-lens-related irritation; it is for allergic eye symptoms specifically
• Use only under a doctor’s guidance in young children, as suitability should be assessed individually
• Should not be started without a doctor first confirming the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis
• Inform your doctor of any other active eye condition, recent eye surgery, or unexplained eye symptoms before use

• Systemic absorption of olopatadine from eye drops is minimal, so significant interactions with oral medicines or food are uncommon, but you should still disclose all medicines you use to your doctor
• Tell your doctor if you are using any other eye drops or ointments, including lubricants or other allergy/anti-inflammatory eye preparations
• If more than one eye medication is prescribed, space them at least 5 to 10 minutes apart
• Discuss with your doctor if you are also taking oral antihistamines or other allergy treatments so they can be coordinated with Pataday

• Use Pataday once daily at the same time each day for the most consistent 24-hour symptom control
• Remove contact lenses before instilling the drop and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in
• Do not switch between Pataday and other olopatadine strengths without checking with your doctor, since dosing frequency differs
• Keep any scheduled follow-up appointments, especially if symptoms persist or return before your next dose is due
• Do not share your prescribed eye drops with others, even if their symptoms seem similar
• Store the bottle upright with the cap tightly closed when not in use

Pataday 0.2% was developed to give patients with allergic conjunctivitis the convenience of a single daily dose instead of twice-daily dosing, which can help with treatment consistency during high-pollen or hazy periods when allergy symptoms are more persistent. As a prescription medicine, it requires a doctor’s assessment to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of red, itchy or watery eyes, and to check for factors such as contact lens use. Customers in Malaysia and Singapore can arrange an online consultation through DoctorOnCall, and should continue periodic follow-up if allergy symptoms are recurrent.