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Opatanol Eye Drops

Opatanol Eye Drops

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  • ✔️ Relieves itchy, red eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis
  • ✔️ Dual-action olopatadine blocks histamine and stabilises mast cells
  • ✔️ Fast-acting relief typically begins within minutes of instillation
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and children aged 3 years and over
  • ✔️ Twice-daily dosing provides up to 8 hours of symptom control

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What Are Opatanol Eye Drops and How Do They Help Allergic Eyes?

 

If your eyes itch, water, and turn red every time pollen season arrives — or whenever you're around cats, dust, or mould — you'll know how disruptive allergic conjunctivitis can be. Opatanol eye drops offer targeted relief by working directly at the surface of the eye, where the allergic reaction is actually happening. Each millilitre contains 1 mg of olopatadine hydrochloride (0.1%), a well-established antihistamine used specifically for eye allergy symptoms. You can browse our full range of eye care products if you're looking for additional support alongside your drops.

Opatanol is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning you can purchase it without a prescription from a registered pharmacy. It is suitable for adults and children aged 3 years and over, making it a practical option for families dealing with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

 

How Do Opatanol Eye Drops Work to Relieve Allergy Symptoms?

 

Olopatadine, the active ingredient in Opatanol eye drops, works through a dual mechanism that sets it apart from single-action antihistamines. It both blocks histamine H1 receptors and stabilises mast cells in the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the white of your eye. Here's what that means in practice:

  • H1 receptor blockade: Prevents histamine from binding to receptors in the eye, directly reducing itching and redness.
  • Mast cell stabilisation: Stops mast cells from releasing further inflammatory chemicals (including histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes) when triggered by an allergen.
  • Rapid onset: Relief typically begins within minutes of instillation.
  • Sustained action: Each dose provides up to 8 hours of symptom control, which is why twice-daily dosing is sufficient for most people.

This combination approach means Opatanol tackles both the immediate allergic response and helps prevent further inflammation from building up throughout the day.

 

Who Should Use Opatanol Eye Drops and Who Are They Suitable For?

 

Opatanol eye drops are designed for anyone experiencing the classic symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis — itching, redness, watering, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes. They work for both seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (triggered by pollen) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (triggered year-round by dust mites, pet dander, or mould). If you also suffer from hay fever more broadly, you might find our allergy and hay fever collection useful for managing your other symptoms alongside your eye drops.

Opatanol is suitable for:

  • Adults with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis
  • Children aged 3 years and over (under medical supervision where possible)
  • People who wear rigid (hard) contact lenses, provided lenses are removed before instillation
  • Those who have not responded adequately to sodium cromoglicate eye drops alone

 

How Do Opatanol Eye Drops Compare to Other Antihistamine Eye Drops?

 

Feature Opatanol (Olopatadine 0.1%) Ketotifen Eye Drops (e.g. Zaditen)
Active ingredient Olopatadine hydrochloride Ketotifen fumarate
Mechanism H1 blocker + mast cell stabiliser H1 blocker + mast cell stabiliser
Dosing frequency Twice daily Twice daily
Minimum age 3 years 3 years
UK availability Pharmacy (P) medicine Pharmacy (P) medicine

 

How Should You Store Opatanol Eye Drops and Are They Clinically Suitable for You?

 

Store Opatanol eye drops below 25°C, away from direct light and heat. Once opened, the bottle must be discarded after 4 weeks — even if solution remains — to reduce the risk of eye infection from contamination. Do not freeze the drops. Keep them out of reach of children.

From a clinical suitability perspective, opatanol eye drops are not recommended if you have a known hypersensitivity to olopatadine or any of the excipients, including benzalkonium chloride. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. People with dry eye disease should use with caution, as the preservative may worsen dryness with prolonged use.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Opatanol Eye Drops specifications
Treatment category Allergic conjunctivitis
Mechanism of action H1 histamine receptor antagonist and mast cell stabiliser
Effective for Itching, redness, and watering of the eyes due to allergy
Suitable for Adults and children aged 3 years and over
Active ingredient Olopatadine hydrochloride 1 mg/mL (0.1%)
Pack size 5 mL
Strength 0.1% w/v
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Antihistamine (ophthalmic)
Preparation Sterile aqueous eye drops solution
Route of administration Ophthalmic (topical to the eye)

Specifications of Opatanol Eye Drops

 

What Is Opatanol and What Is It Used For?

 

Opatanol eye drops contain olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1%, an antihistamine medicine applied directly to the eye. They are used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis — an inflammation of the conjunctiva triggered by allergens such as grass pollen, tree pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, or mould spores. Symptoms typically include intense itching, redness, watering, and a sensation of grittiness or burning in one or both eyes. Opatanol eye drops work locally at the eye surface, so very little of the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream, which makes them well tolerated by most people.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Opatanol Eye Drops?

 

Before using Opatanol, make sure none of the following apply to you. If they do, speak to your pharmacist or GP first.

Do not use Opatanol if you:

  • Are allergic to olopatadine hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the drops (including benzalkonium chloride)
  • Are under 3 years of age
  • Have a current eye infection — treat the infection first

Take care and speak to your pharmacist if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Wear soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses — the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lenses
  • Have dry eye syndrome, as the preservative may worsen symptoms with long-term use
  • Have any other eye condition not related to allergy

Drug interactions:

  • No clinically significant interactions have been reported with topical olopatadine at the recommended dose
  • If you are using other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least 5 minutes between applications
  • Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies

 

How Should You Use Opatanol Eye Drops Correctly?

 

Using eye drops correctly makes a real difference to how well they work. Follow these steps each time you apply Opatanol:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops.
  3. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  4. Hold the dropper tip close to your eye without touching it, and squeeze one drop into the pocket.
  5. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid blinking excessively.
  6. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (the lacrimal punctum) for about 1 minute — this reduces systemic absorption.
  7. Repeat in the other eye if both are affected.
  8. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting soft contact lenses.
  9. Replace the cap immediately after use.
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Allergic conjunctivitis Adults 1 drop per affected eye Twice daily (approx. 6–8 hours apart)
Allergic conjunctivitis Children aged 3 years and over 1 drop per affected eye Twice daily
Allergic conjunctivitis Under 3 years Not recommended

If you are also managing wider allergy symptoms, you might find it helpful to explore our allergy and hay fever range for complementary treatments.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Opatanol Eye Drops?

 

Like all medicines, Opatanol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect the eye locally.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Transient stinging or burning sensation immediately after instillation
  • Headache
  • Eye discomfort or irritation
  • Dry eye sensation

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Blurred vision (usually temporary, immediately after instillation)
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Unusual taste in the mouth (due to nasolacrimal drainage)
  • Dizziness or fatigue

Stop using Opatanol and seek medical advice promptly if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as severe eye swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash. These reactions are rare but require immediate attention.

 

How Should You Store Opatanol Eye Drops Safely?

 

Correct storage keeps the drops sterile and effective. Follow these guidelines:

  • Store below 25°C — do not refrigerate or freeze
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
  • Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening, even if drops remain
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
  • Store out of the sight and reach of children
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused drops to your pharmacy

For a broader look at managing eye health and related conditions, our eye care collection includes a range of products to support you throughout allergy season and beyond.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Opatanol eye drops online in the UK?

You can buy Opatanol eye drops from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy, without a prescription. They are classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine, so they are available to adults and children aged 3 and over. Browse our eye care collection to find Opatanol and other allergy eye treatments in one place.

How do Opatanol eye drops work in the eye?

Opatanol eye drops contain olopatadine, which blocks H1 histamine receptors in the conjunctiva and stabilises mast cells to prevent the release of further inflammatory chemicals. This dual action tackles both the immediate itch and the ongoing inflammatory response. Relief typically begins within minutes of applying the drops.

How do I use Opatanol eye drops step by step?

Wash your hands, remove soft contact lenses if worn, tilt your head back, and pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket. Squeeze one drop into the pocket, close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes, and press lightly on the inner corner of your eye to reduce absorption. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses.

What is the correct dose of Opatanol eye drops for adults?

The recommended dose for adults is one drop in each affected eye, twice daily — ideally spaced approximately 6 to 8 hours apart. Do not use more than the recommended dose, as this will not improve symptom relief and may increase the risk of side effects. If your symptoms are not controlled after a few days, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

What is the best time to use Opatanol eye drops?

Most people find it easiest to apply one dose in the morning and one in the evening, roughly 8 hours apart — for example, 8 am and 4 pm, or 7 am and 3 pm. Applying the morning dose before going outdoors during pollen season can help prevent symptoms from developing. Consistency matters, so try to use the drops at the same times each day.

What are the side effects of Opatanol eye drops and how do I manage them?

The most common side effects are a brief stinging or burning sensation immediately after instillation and headache — both are usually mild and short-lived. Blinking a few times after applying the drops can help distribute the solution and reduce initial discomfort. If you experience persistent eye pain, significant swelling, or vision changes, stop using the drops and contact your pharmacist or GP.

Can I use Opatanol eye drops if I wear contact lenses?

You should remove soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses before applying Opatanol eye drops, as the preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lens material and may cause irritation. Wait at least 15 minutes after instillation before reinserting your lenses. Hard (rigid) contact lens wearers should also remove lenses before use, though the absorption risk is lower.

Who is eligible to use Opatanol eye drops?

Opatanol eye drops are suitable for adults and children aged 3 years and over who have been diagnosed with, or are experiencing symptoms of, allergic conjunctivitis. They are not recommended for children under 3 years, or for anyone with a known allergy to olopatadine or benzalkonium chloride. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their GP or pharmacist before use.

What happens if I miss a dose of Opatanol eye drops?

If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember — unless it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, in which case simply skip the missed one. Never apply two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Keeping your drops somewhere visible, like next to your toothbrush, can help you remember both daily doses.

How long can I use Opatanol eye drops for?

Opatanol eye drops can be used throughout the allergy season, which for pollen sufferers typically runs from March to September in the UK. However, the bottle must be discarded 4 weeks after opening regardless of how much solution remains. If you need treatment beyond one bottle, simply open a new one — and speak to your GP if symptoms persist year-round, as you may have perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

What are the alternatives to Opatanol eye drops?

Common alternatives include ketotifen eye drops (e.g. Zaditen), which share a similar dual antihistamine and mast cell stabilising mechanism, and sodium cromoglicate eye drops, which work purely as a mast cell stabiliser and are often used as a first-line option. For broader allergy symptom management, our allergy and hay fever range includes oral antihistamines and nasal sprays that can be used alongside eye drops. Your pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate combination for your symptoms.

Can Opatanol eye drops be used for dry eyes?

No — Opatanol eye drops are specifically formulated to treat allergic conjunctivitis and are not indicated for dry eye disease. In fact, the preservative benzalkonium chloride in Opatanol may worsen dryness with prolonged use in people who already have dry eye syndrome. If you have both dry eyes and allergic conjunctivitis, speak to your pharmacist about preservative-free alternatives or a suitable combination approach.

Are Opatanol eye drops safe during pregnancy?

There is limited clinical data on the use of olopatadine during pregnancy, so Opatanol eye drops are not routinely recommended without medical advice if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Because topical eye drops result in very low systemic absorption, the risk is considered low — but you should always discuss any medicine use during pregnancy with your GP or midwife before starting treatment.

How should I store Opatanol eye drops after opening?

Once opened, Opatanol eye drops should be stored below 25°C, away from direct light and heat — do not refrigerate or freeze them. The bottle must be discarded 4 weeks after first opening to prevent the risk of eye infection from microbial contamination, even if solution remains. Always check the expiry date on the packaging before use and return unused medicines to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

What is the latest research on olopatadine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis?

Olopatadine has been extensively studied since its introduction and remains one of the most widely recommended topical antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis in clinical guidelines. Research consistently shows it provides rapid, effective relief of itching and redness with a good tolerability profile in both adults and children aged 3 and over. Higher-concentration formulations (0.2% and 0.7%) have been studied for once-daily dosing, though the 0.1% twice-daily formulation available over the counter in the UK remains the standard for self-care use.

How Should You Use Opatanol Eye Drops?

Using Opatanol eye drops correctly ensures you get the most from each dose and reduces the risk of contamination or irritation. Always wash your hands before handling the bottle, and never allow the dropper tip to touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. Follow these steps each time you apply the drops:

What Is the Correct Dose of Opatanol Eye Drops?

The standard dose of Opatanol eye drops is one drop per affected eye, applied twice daily. This applies to both adults and children aged 3 years and over. Do not instil more than one drop per eye per dose, as this does not improve efficacy and may increase the likelihood of side effects such as stinging or blurred vision.

When Is the Best Time to Use Opatanol Eye Drops?

For most people, applying one dose in the morning and one in the early evening — approximately 8 hours apart — works well and fits naturally into a daily routine. If you are using the drops during pollen season, applying your morning dose before going outdoors can help prevent symptoms from developing rather than simply treating them once they have started. Consistency is key: try to use the drops at the same times each day for the most reliable symptom control.

How Long Can You Use Opatanol Eye Drops For?

Opatanol eye drops can be used throughout the duration of your allergy season or for as long as your symptoms persist, provided you follow the dosing instructions. However, each bottle must be discarded 4 weeks after opening, regardless of how much solution remains, to prevent the risk of eye infection. If your symptoms continue beyond one allergy season or are present year-round, speak to your GP, as you may benefit from a longer-term management plan. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Opatanol Eye Drops?

Most people tolerate Opatanol eye drops well, and side effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most frequently reported effects occur locally at the eye and tend to resolve within a few minutes of instillation.

  • Transient stinging or burning sensation immediately after applying the drops
  • Eye discomfort or irritation
  • Dry eye sensation
  • Headache

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Opatanol Eye Drops?

Less common side effects affect a smaller proportion of users and are usually temporary. If any of these persist or become bothersome, speak to your pharmacist.

  • Blurred vision immediately after instillation (avoid driving until vision clears)
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Eyelid swelling or redness
  • Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth (caused by drainage through the nasolacrimal duct)
  • Dizziness or fatigue
  • Runny nose

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Opatanol Eye Drops?

Serious side effects are rare with Opatanol eye drops, but you should be aware of the signs of a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction. Stop using the drops immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe swelling of the eye, eyelid, face, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Widespread skin rash or hives
  • Sudden worsening of eye redness, pain, or vision loss

These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a severe eye condition requiring prompt medical assessment.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild side effects such as temporary stinging, simply close your eye gently after instillation and press lightly on the inner corner for one minute — this reduces the amount of medicine draining into your system and can ease discomfort. If blurred vision occurs, wait until it clears before driving or operating machinery. For any side effect that is persistent, worsening, or causing you concern, stop using the drops and contact your pharmacist or GP for advice. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Can Opatanol Eye Drops Interact With Other Medicines?

No clinically significant drug interactions have been reported with topical olopatadine at the recommended dose, as systemic absorption is very low. However, if you are using other eye drops or eye ointments at the same time, leave a gap of at least 5 minutes between applications to prevent one product diluting or washing out the other. Always inform your pharmacist of all medicines you are taking — including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies — so they can check for any potential interactions. If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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