Pazeo
It is the brand name of a drug called olopatadine which is used to treat ocular itching associated with eye allergies.
It works by blocking the release of histamine, a neurotransmitter in the human body that causes allergic symptoms.
Uses
This medication is usually used to treat itchy eyes associated with eye allergies.
It should not be used to treat contact lens-related irritation, a condition caused by allergies as well as antihistamines which are used to reduce allergic reactions.
Dosage
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye once per day.
Do not use more, since it will only increase the risk of more side effects.
Notes – do not use this medication if the liquid has particles in it or has changed colors. Also, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch any surface in order to avoid contamination. It works best when used regularly. If the signs and symptoms continue, contact your doctor.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Olopatadine
Common side effects may include:
- dry eye;
- blurred vision;
- abnormal sensation in the eye;
- watery eyes;
- burning in the eye;
- a sore throat;
- a bitter sense of taste;
- mild inflammation of the cornea.
Rare side effects may include:
- change in eyesight;
- bloodshot eyes;
- severe irritation in the eye;
- burning during urination;
- increased eye sensitivity to bright light;
- fever.
Tell each of your doctors about all medicines you use, including vitamins, nonprescription and prescription medicines, and herbal products since many medications can interact with each other.
Pataday
It is the brand name of a drug called olopatadine that is used to control the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
It works by stopping mast cells from breaking down and releasing leukotrienes and histamines. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that can produce symptoms of watery or itching eyes.
Uses
This medication is typically used to relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, including – red eyes, itchy eyes, and swelling of the surface of the eye.
In the US, it is estimated that conjunctivitis affects over 6 million Americans annually, and the incidence is increasing.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye once per day. It is recommended to wait 5 minutes in between applying olopatadine and any other eye medicine you may be using.
Note – do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface since contamination could cause an infection in your eye.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- blurred vision;
- headaches;
- weakness;
- burning/stinging/redness/itching of the eye;
- a cough;
- puffy eyelids;
- back pain;
- unpleasant taste in the mouth;
- a feeling as if something is in the eye;
- a sore throat;
- a runny nose.
Some people may experience a serious allergic reaction, with symptoms including:
- trouble breathing;
- dizziness;
- itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat);
- rash.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby since there are no clinical studies regarding its safe use by nursing women. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant because there is no data if this medication is safe to use by pregnant women.
Individuals who use soft contact lenses should wait 15 minutes after instilling this medication before inserting contact lenses because soft contact lenses may absorb benzalkonium chloride, a preservative in this medication.
Pazeo vs Pataday – Differences
Pazeo (active ingredient – olopatadine) is an antihistamine used to treat itching and redness in the eyes caused by allergies. It works by blocking the action of histamine to reduce the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions in the eyes.
Pataday (active ingredient – olopatadine) is a brand name of a drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antihistamines, specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. It is used to treat burning, itching, watering, redness, and other eye symptoms caused by allergic conditions.
In conclusion, these are two brands that have the same active ingredients with similar effects and side effects for the human body. Pataday is a little cheaper.
Methods For Preventing Itchy Eyes
To avoid allergic conjunctivitis, it is recommended to:
- use a humidifier to maintain humidity in your home at around 50%;
- when swimming, wear swim goggles to protect your eyes from pathogenic bacteria;
- wash your hands frequently, especially when spending time in public places;
- use a wet mop to clean your home;
- avoid sharing your bed with your pets;
- change and wash your bed linens frequently;
- maintain good hygiene of your contact lenses;
- avoid continuous exposure to electronic devices (like smartphones and TVs);
- wear sunglasses when heading out in the sun;
- keep your home clean;
- don’t eat allergy-causing foods;
- avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, especially if you touched any allergens before.
6 Natural Remedies For Allergic Conjunctivitis
#1 Chamomile
Due to its effective anti-allergenic properties, chamomile (scientific name – Chamaemelum nobile) tea can be used as a cold compress to help relieve itchy eyes.
It works by inhibiting the release of histamine (similar to an antihistamine medication), which helps prevent an allergic eye reaction that can lead to itchiness in the eyes.
#2 Cucumber Slices
You can use slices of cucumber and place them on your closed eyelids for about 15 minutes.
#3 Cold Compresses
A cool, moist washcloth is a good home remedy for eye itchiness which is a result of some type of allergy. Moreover, using a cold compress helps alleviate irritation and dryness.
#4 Aloe-vera Juice
Aloe vera has potent anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it an effective natural treatment for any type of allergies. To use it, mix aloe vera juice with cold water and apply it to the affected eye(s).
#5 Tea Bags
Green tea has a good anti-irritating and anti-bacterial properties. This is due to its content of bioflavonoids, natural plant compounds that fights viral and bacterial infections as well as they are effective against allergies.
#6 Potatoes
Cut the potato into slices and apply to the eyes for approximately half an hour. Try this method three times per day until the symptoms stop.
Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty
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References https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DevelopmentApproval https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5391828/