Patanol is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of itching or watery eyes.

Patanol eye drops are used to treat eye itching caused by allergies.

Prescription Patanol eye drops are usually instilled in the affected eye once daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Patanol exactly as directed.

To instill Patanol Eye Drops, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Check the dropper tip to ensure it is not chipped or cracked.
• While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
• Hold the dropper with the other hand as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
• While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
• Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
• Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
• Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
• Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
• Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Before using Patanol Eye Drops, tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to Patanol, benzalkonium chloride, or other medications.
• Prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking,
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• You should know that you should not wear contact lenses if your eye(s) is/are red. 

Less serious Patanol Eye Drops side effects may be more likely, and you may have none. Stop using Patanol Eye Drops and call your doctor at once if you have the following side effects:

• Eye pain or changes in vision;
• Eye itching that gets worse or lasts longer than 72 hours;
• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or
• Eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

These are not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

What happens if you miss a dose of Patanol Eye Drops?

Use Patanol Eye Drops as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Use only one dose at a time.

What happens if you overdose on Patanol Eye Drops?

An overdose of Patanol is not expected to be dangerous. 

What should you avoid while using Patanol Eye Drops?

Avoid wearing contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Patanol Eye Drops will not treat eye irritation caused by wearing contacts.

What side effects can Patanol Eye Drops cause?

• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• A sore throat may occur.