Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - AG-Olopatadine 0.2%
What is AG-Olopatadine 0.2% used for?
AG-Olopatadine 0.2% is used for the treatment of itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies.
How does AG-Olopatadine 0.2% work?
Itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, happens when allergens like pollen cause the cells of the eye to release a chemical called histamine. This can result in itching, redness and swelling on the surface of your eye. AG-Olopatadine 0.2% works by stopping the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. This reduces eye itching.
What are the ingredients in AG-Olopatadine 0.2%?
Medicinal ingredient: Olopatadine hydrochloride
Non-medicinal ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride (preservative), dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, hydrochloric acid and / or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), povidone, sodium chloride, water for injection.
AG-Olopatadine 0.2% comes in the following dosage forms:
Ophthalmic solution (eye drops); 0.2% w / v olopatadine (as olopatadine hydrochloride)
Do not use AG-Olopatadine 0.2% if:
- you are allergic to olopatadine hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients (see
What are the ingredients in AG-Olopatadine 0.2%?).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take AG-Olopatadine 0.2%. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding. AG-Olopatadine 0.2% may pass into breastmilk.
- are under 18 years of age.
Other warnings you should know about:
Use of AG-Olopatadine 0.2% and use of contact lenses:
- Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
- AG-Olopatadine 0.2% contains a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Do not use AG-Olopatadine 0.2% while wearing contact lenses.
- Remove your contacts before using AG-Olopatadine 0.2% and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.
Use of AG-Olopatadine 0.2% with other eye drops or ointments:
- If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between putting in AG-Olopatadine 0.2% and the other drops.
- Apply eye ointments last.
Driving and using machines: You may find that your vision is blurred for a time just after you use AG-Olopatadine 0.2%. Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with AG-Olopatadine 0.2%:
There are no known drugs that interact with AG-Olopatadine 0.2%.
How to take AG-Olopatadine 0.2%:
- AG-Olopatadine 0.2% is an eye drop. Only use it in your eye(s).
- Use AG-Olopatadine 0.2% exactly how your healthcare professional has told you to. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare professional.
Usual dose:
Adults: 1 drop in each affected eye once daily.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Instructions for use:
- 1. Get the AG-Olopatadine 0.2% bottle and a mirror if needed.
- 2. Wash your hands.
- 3. Twist off the cap, being careful not to touch the dropper tip.
- 4.
Hold the bottle, pointing it down, between your thumb and
middle finger.
- 5.
Tilt your head back. Pull down your eyelid with a clean finger, until there is a ‘pocket’
between the eyelid and your eye. The drop will go in there (Figure 1).
- 6.
Bring the bottle tip close to the eye. Use the mirror if it helps.
Do not touch your eye or eyelid, or any surface with the dropper. It could contaminate the drops, cause an eye infection and damage the eyes.
- 7. Gently press the bottom of the bottle with your forefinger to release one drop (Figure 2). Do not squeeze the bottle: it is designed so that just a gentle press on the bottom is all that it needs.
- 8. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
- 9. Put the bottle cap firmly back on immediately after use.
Overdose:
If you get too much in your eyes, rinse it all out with warm water. Don’t put in any more drops until it’s time for your next regular dose.
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much AG-Olopatadine 0.2%, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms. |
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Missed Dose:
If you forget to use AG-Olopatadine 0.2%, use a single drop as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular routine. Do not use a double dose to make up for the one missed.
What are possible side effects from using AG-Olopatadine 0.2%?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when using AG-Olopatadine 0.2%. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
In the eye:
- eye problems such as dry, itchy, red, irritated or crusted eyes
- eye surface inflammation with or without surface damage
- eye discharge
- eye pain
- increased tear production
- eyelid redness, swelling
- sensitivity to light
- blurred vision
- burning, stinging or gritty feeling or a feeling as if something is trapped in the eye
Other areas of your body:
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue or tiredness
- nasal dryness
- dry mouth
- change in your sense of taste
- nausea
- red or itchy skin
| Serious side effects and what to do about them | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| RARE | |||
Allergic reactions: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth or throat, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, hives, severe itching and rash, nausea, vomiting |
| ||
| Increased heart rate |
| ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
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Storage:
- Store between 4-25°C.
Throw away the bottle at the end of your treatment or 4 weeks after first opening,
whichever comes first.
- Do not use if seal is damaged or missing.
- Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about AG-Olopatadine 0.2%:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); or by calling 450-449-9272.