Patanol is the brand name for olopatadine, a prescription drug used to treat allergy eye conditions such as seasonal allergic conjuctivitis characterized by itching and inflammation. It works by reducing histamine levels in the body. Patanol is supplied as eye drops which should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Some people may experience blurred vision, puffy eyelids and headache when using Patanol, notes Drugs.com. There are several alternatives to Patanol.
Lotemax
Lotemax eye drops contains the corticosteroid drug, loteprednol. Lotemax is prescribed for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and works by reducing inflammation in the eye. According to a 2010 article published in "Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology," the use of corticosteroids as treatments for allergic conjunctivitis has been limited due to their side effects. Lead author B.P. Bielory notes, however, that Lotemax is a modified or "soft" corticosteroid that reduces ocular inflammation effectively without any major adverse effects. Common side effects may include blurred vision, redness and a runny nose.
Acular
Acular eye drops contain the prescription drug ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. It is indicated to treat itching associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and is also used to treat postoperative inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract surgery, notes RxList.com. Acular is supplied either as a 0.4 or 0.5 percent strength. The 0.4 percent strength is marketed as Acular LS. According to a 2008 article published in the medical journal, "Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicology," both strengths of Acular are equally effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis. Common side effects include a burning sensation in the eye, swollen eyelids and headache. Acular may not be suitable for patients with glaucoma, arthritis, a bleeding disorder or dry eye.
Elestat
Newer types of allergy eye drops combine an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. Used twice a day, they provide quick and long-lasting relief of allergy eye symptoms, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. An example is Elestat which contains the drug epinastine. MedlinePlus notes that Elestat is an effective treatment but only when used regularly. Common side effects may include eye redness, swollen eyelids, headache and a runny nose; however, MedlinePlus notes these could also be symptoms of the allergy itself.
References
- Drugs.com: Patanol
- Drugs.com: Lotemax Drops
- "Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology;" Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis With Ophthalmic Corticosteroids: In Search of the Perfect Ocular Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis; B.P. Bielory et al; October 2010
- RxList.com: Acular
- Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicology;" Ketorolac Tromethamine 0.4% as a Treatment for Allergic Conjuctivitis; B.A. Schechter; April 2008
