Olopatadine Eye Drops
- Helps relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic conjunctivitis.
- Twice-daily eye drops to help with redness and itching.
- Dual-action formula that helps reduce the intensity of reactions.
Product Data
1x 5ml
2x 5ml
Buy olopatadine eye drops
Olopatadine eye drops are a generic antihistamine medicine used to help relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and eye inflammation associated with hay fever.
How do olopatadine eye drops work?
When they encounter an allergen, the cells on the lining of your eyes release a chemical called histamine, which can cause eye inflammation (conjunctivitis).
As an antihistamine, olopatadine eye drops relieve the eye symptoms of hay fever by blocking the action of histamine.
How to use olopatadine eye drops
Using your olopatadine eye drops isn’t too complicated. To get the most out of your treatment, we recommend taking it morning and night.
To take your eye drops, you should:
- Wash your hands before using the drops and open the bottle.
- Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
- Hold the bottle upside down, near to your eye. Gently press on the base of the bottle to release one drop into your eye.
- Close your eye for a minute or two and press gently on the side of your nose (where the corner of your eye meets your nose). This helps to stop the drop from draining away from your eye.
- Repeat this process for your other eye and then put the cap back on the bottle.
Do not touch your eye, eyelid or any other surface with the dropper to avoid contamination.
Who shouldn’t use olopatadine eye drops?
While suitable for most adults and children over three, not everyone should use olopatadine. You should speak to a doctor first, or consider avoiding olopatadine eye drops if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to olopatadine, or any other medicines
- have an active eye infection or chronic disorders of the cornea
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
Storage information
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light, and don’t let the eye drops freeze.
Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use olopatadine drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this.
Alternatives to olopatadine
There are other over-the-counter options available for those who can’t use olopatadine. These alternatives have a difference active ingredient, sodium cromoglicate. Examples include:
On the other hand, you may also want to consider looking at oral antihistamines. These can be taken in place of, or in combination with, your eye drops to improve symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, or itchiness. Most can be picked up off the shelf or over the counter, like:
Azelastine vs olopatadine
Both medicines are fast-acting antihistamines that provide similar relief for allergy symptoms. Olopatadine has been reported to be more effective in reducing eye itching and redness. On the other hand, looking at both medications in a nasal spray form, azelastine has been reported to act faster in the nose (15 minutes vs 30 minutes for olopatadine).
Frequently asked questions about olopatadine eye drops
Is olopatadine a corticosteroid?
No. Olopatadine is an antihistamine medicine, that is used as an alternative to corticosteroids to
Is olopatadine available over the counter in the UK?
Olopatadine is not currently available over the counter in the UK. You’ll need to either be prescribed it by a doctor, or first complete a quick online consultation reviewed by a pharmacist.
Can I use olopatadine with contacts?
You can use olopatadine if you have contacts, but you must first take them out before applying the drops. Wait at least 10-15 minutes before putting them back in, and avoid wearing contact lenses if your eyes are red.
How long can I use olopatadine eye drops?
You should use olopatadine for as long as you’ve been instructed by your healthcare professional – this is usually not longer than four months.
Is olopatadine an antibiotic?
No. Antibiotics kill bacteria, or treat bacterial infections, which olopatadine does not do.
Is olopatadine an antihistamine?
Yes. Olopatadine is usually available as eye drops or a nasal spray and is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever such as itching, redness and swelling.
Sources
- Olopatadine eye drops for hay fever (2023). Patient.info [Accessed 27th March 2026]
- Olopatadine. BNF. [Accessed 27th March 2026]
- Olopatadine (ophthalmic route). Mayo Clinic. [Accessed 27th March 2026]
