Opatanol (Olapatadine) Eye drops 5ML

What Are Olopatadine Eye Drops Used For?

If your eyes itch, water, and turn red every time pollen season arrives — or whenever you're around cats, dust, or other allergens — you'll know how disruptive allergic conjunctivitis can be. Olopatadine eye drops, sold under the brand name Opatanol, are a clinically established treatment designed specifically to tackle these symptoms at their source. Each 5ml bottle contains olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1%, an antihistamine that works directly in the eye to calm the allergic response quickly and reliably. You can explore our full range of eye care products if you're looking for additional support alongside your treatment.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects a significant proportion of the UK population, particularly during spring and summer when airborne allergens peak. The condition causes the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the white of the eye — to become inflamed, leading to that familiar burning, itching, and watery-eyed misery. Opatanol is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK, meaning it's dispensed under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or prescriber to ensure it's right for you.

How Does Opatanol Work to Relieve Eye Allergy Symptoms?

Opatanol has a dual mechanism of action, which is what sets it apart from simpler antihistamine drops. It doesn't just block one pathway — it targets two simultaneously:

• H1 receptor antagonism: Olopatadine binds to histamine H1 receptors on the surface of cells in the conjunctiva, blocking histamine from triggering the itch and redness response.
• Mast cell stabilisation: It also prevents mast cells from degranulating — that is, from releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators in the first place.
• Rapid onset: Symptom relief typically begins within minutes of instillation, making it practical for day-to-day allergy management.
• Sustained effect: The twice-daily dosing schedule maintains a consistent level of protection throughout the day.

Because it works both reactively and preventatively, Opatanol is considered a well-rounded option for managing seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

Who Is Opatanol Suitable For?

Opatanol is indicated for adults and children aged 3 years and over who experience the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. It's particularly useful for people whose eye symptoms are triggered by seasonal allergens like grass pollen or tree pollen, as well as year-round triggers such as pet dander, house dust mites, or mould spores. If you also suffer from broader hay fever symptoms, you might find it helpful to browse our allergy and hay fever range for complementary treatments.

Opatanol may be suitable for you if:

• You have a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis
• You experience itchy, red, or watery eyes during allergy season or on exposure to known allergens
• You are aged 3 years or over
• You are not currently using other ophthalmic medications that may interact

How Does Opatanol Compare to Other Antihistamine Eye Drops?

Is Opatanol Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Once opened, your bottle of olopatadine eye drops should be used within 4 weeks and then discarded, even if solution remains. This is because the preservative system becomes less effective over time, and there is a risk of microbial contamination. Store the bottle below 25°C and do not freeze it. Keep it out of reach of children and away from direct sunlight.

If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting. The preservative benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by soft lens material and may cause irritation. Always check with your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any concerns about long-term use or compatibility with other eye treatments.

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.

What Is Opatanol and What Is It Used For?

Opatanol eye drops contain olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% as the active ingredient. They belong to a class of medicines called ophthalmic antihistamines and are used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis — an inflammation of the eye's outer membrane triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and excessive watering of the eyes. Opatanol is licensed for use in adults and children aged 3 years and over in the UK.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Opatanol?

Before using Opatanol, it's important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any existing health conditions or medicines you are currently taking. Do not use Opatanol if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to olopatadine hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the formulation (including benzalkonium chloride)
• Your child is under 3 years of age
• You have a known hypersensitivity to any component of the eye drops

Take particular care and speak to your prescriber if:

• You wear soft contact lenses — remove them before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — safety data in humans is limited; use only if clearly needed and under medical supervision
• You are using any other eye drops or eye ointments — allow at least 5 minutes between different ophthalmic preparations
• You have dry eye syndrome or any other pre-existing eye condition

Known drug interactions:

• No clinically significant systemic drug interactions have been reported at the ophthalmic dose
• If using multiple eye preparations, always allow adequate time between applications to avoid dilution or interaction

How Should You Use Opatanol Eye Drops?

Always use Opatanol exactly as your prescriber has told you. The following steps will help you apply the drops correctly and safely:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle.
2. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before applying the drops.
3. Tilt your head back slightly and look upward.
4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
5. Hold the dropper tip close to your eye without touching it, and squeeze one drop into the pocket.
6. Close your eye gently for 1–2 minutes. You can press lightly on the inner corner of your eye to reduce systemic absorption.
7. Repeat in the other eye if both are affected.
8. Replace the cap immediately after use.
9. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Opatanol?

Like all medicines, Opatanol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and localised to the eye. If you're managing multiple allergy symptoms alongside eye irritation, our allergy and hay fever range may offer additional support.

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

• Mild burning or stinging sensation immediately after instillation
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Headache
• Dry eye sensation
• Blurred vision (temporary, immediately after instillation)

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

• Eyelid swelling or inflammation
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Unusual taste in the mouth after instillation
• Nasal dryness
• Fatigue or drowsiness (rare at ophthalmic doses)

Stop using Opatanol and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe eye pain, sudden changes in vision, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

How Should You Store Opatanol Eye Drops?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of your eye drops. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze the solution
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening, even if solution remains
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Do not use if the solution appears discoloured or contains visible particles

If you have any unused or expired eye drops, do not dispose of them via household waste or down the sink. Return them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. You can also find a wider selection of treatments in our eye care collection if you need additional products for eye health.