Why is this medication prescribed?

Pazeo (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication used to treat ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) caused by an allergic reaction.

Pazeo belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance that the body releases in response to an allergic reaction, thereby reducing symptoms such as itching in the eyes.

How should this medicine be used?

When using Pazeo, it’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, the usual dosage is one drop in each affected eye once daily.

Here are general steps on how to use Pazeo:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the medication.
• Shake the Pazeo bottle well before using it.
• Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.
• Close your eyes gently for a short period to allow the medication to spread across the surface of the eye.
• If you are using Pazeo in both eyes, repeat the process for the other eye.

After using Pazeo, it’s recommended to wait at least 10 minutes before inserting contact lenses, if applicable.

If you have any questions about the proper use of Pazeo or if you experience any side effects, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and conditions.

Other uses for this medicine

Pazeo (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) is specifically indicated for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, and its use for other purposes is not recommended unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and use the medication only for the condition it was prescribed for.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions and considerations for Pazeo use include:

• Allergic Reactions: If you are allergic to olopatadine or any other ingredients in Pazeo, inform your healthcare provider. Allergic reactions can include itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Pazeo and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them. Pazeo contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Pazeo during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied, so your healthcare provider will weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
• Children: The safety and effectiveness of Pazeo in children under 2 years of age have not been established. Use in pediatric patients should be under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. This is important to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Eye Disorders: If you have certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, inform your healthcare provider. Pazeo should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Caution with Driving or Operating Machinery: Pazeo may cause blurred vision. If you experience this side effect, use caution when driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.

As with any medication, it’s crucial to use Pazeo as prescribed and to report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. If you have questions or concerns about the medication, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your health status.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary instructions associated with the use of Pazeo. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to use Pazeo at the scheduled time, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Pazeo may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Eye irritation or burning: Some people may experience a temporary sensation of irritation or burning in the eyes after using Pazeo.
• Dry eyes: Pazeo may cause temporary dryness in the eyes.
• Unpleasant taste: In some cases, individuals may experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth after using Pazeo.
• Headache: Headaches are a less common side effect but may occur in some individuals.
• Blurred vision: Pazeo may cause temporary blurred vision, so it’s advisable to use caution when performing activities that require clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery.

Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• Severe eye pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness in or around the eyes
• Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)

It’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive list of side effects, and individual reactions may vary. If you have concerns about potential side effects or experience any unusual symptoms while using Pazeo, consult your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance based on your specific health status and may adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Pazeo:

• Storage: Store Pazeo at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not freeze the medication.
• Disposal: Dispose of Pazeo as directed by your healthcare provider or local guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Proper disposal helps prevent environmental contamination.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or accidental ingestion of Pazeo, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe eye irritation or other adverse reactions. Be sure to have the medication packaging or container with you to provide important information to healthcare professionals.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Instructions: Use Pazeo exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop using the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Avoid Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands, to prevent contamination. If the solution becomes contaminated, it may cause an eye infection.
• Inform Healthcare Provider: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications (including over-the-counter, prescription, vitamins, and herbal supplements) you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Regular Eye Exams: If you are using Pazeo for an extended period, your healthcare provider may recommend regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Pazeo. Wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them to avoid potential interaction with the preservative benzalkonium chloride.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the use of Pazeo with your healthcare provider. The safety of the medication in these situations is not well studied.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific questions or concerns about the use of Pazeo. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and needs.