Olopatadine Nasal Spray
Olopatadine nasal spray is used to relieve sneezing and a stuffy, runny or itchy nose caused by allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Olopatadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Olopatadine comes as a liquid to spray in the nose. Olopatadine nasal spray is usually sprayed in each nostril twice daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use olopatadine nasal spray exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
An adult should help children younger than 12 years old to use olopatadine nasal spray. Children younger than 6 years of age should not use this medication.
Olopatadine nasal spray is only for use in the nose. Do not swallow the nasal spray and be careful not to spray it into your eyes or mouth.
Each bottle of olopatadine nasal spray should only be used by one person. Do not share olopatadine nasal spray because this may spread germs.
Olopatadine nasal spray controls the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but does not cure these condition. Continue to use olopatadine nasal spray even if you feel well and are not experiencing these symptoms, unless your doctor has told you to use it on a specific schedule. If you wait too long between doses, your symptoms may return or become worse.
Given the high cost of medical care, it’s hardly a shock that patients are drowning in medical debt. Almost 20% of American households have delinquent medical bills that affect their credit report, according to NBC News. Having medical bills in collections makes it more difficult for patients to engage in other economic activities, such as purchasing a home or securing a loan to start a business.
Olopatadine nasal spray is designed to provide a certain number (240) of sprays. After the marked number of sprays has been used, the remaining sprays in the bottle might not contain the correct amount of medication. You should keep track of the number of sprays you have used and throw away the bottle after you have used the marked number of sprays even if it still contains some liquid.
To use the nasal spray, follow these steps:
- Blow your nose until your nostrils are clear.
- Hold the pump with the applicator between your forefinger and middle finger.
- If you are using the pump for the first time, point the applicator away from your face. then press down and release the pump five times. If you have used the pump before, but not within the past week, or have just cleaned the nozzle, press down and release the pump twice until you see a fine spray.
- Hold one nostril closed with your finger.
- Tilt your head slightly forward and carefully put the nasal applicator tip into your other nostril. Be sure to keep the bottle upright.
- Begin to breathe in through your nose.
- While you are breathing in, use your forefinger and middle finger to press firmly down on the applicator and release a spray.
- Breathe gently in through the nostril and breathe out through your mouth.
- Do not tip your head back or blow your nose right after using the nasal spray.
- If your doctor told you to use two sprays in that nostril, repeat steps 4 to 9. Repeat steps 4 to 9 in the other nostril.
- Wipe the applicator with a clean tissue and cover it with the dust cover.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
