Do you also get a runny nose? Do you have ten or fifteen consecutive runny noses when you wake up in the morning? Are you tired of having a runny nose, a stuffy nose, and a scratchy nose? These are the symptoms of an allergy that many of us have. So, at times like these, a doctor may prescribe a nasal spray for you. One such spray is called Olopatadine. Let's talk about this in detail and very simply today.
What is this nasal spray called Olopatadine?
Simply put, Olopatadine is a medicine used to treat allergies. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines .
Now you might be wondering what this antihistamine is. It's very simple. Think about it, when something we are allergic to (for example, dust, pollen) enters our body, our body's immune system releases a chemical called histamine . That histamine is what causes all these things like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and itchy noses.
So what this Olopatadine spray does is block the action of that chemical called histamine. To be precise, it doesn't let histamine work. Then those annoying allergy symptoms gradually decrease. The swelling and inflammation inside the nose decreases, and you can breathe easier.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. It is not a good idea to go to the pharmacy and buy it yourself.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation to be reported | Why is that? Simply. |
|---|---|
| If there are wounds inside the nose | If there are wounds or ulcers inside the nose, this spray may delay the healing of those wounds. |
| If you have allergies to other medications | If you have an allergy to Olopatadine or any other medicine, food, or dye, you must tell us. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should be used with great caution during pregnancy, so the doctor should be aware of this. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | You need to be sure whether this medicine passes to the baby through breast milk or not. So tell your doctor about this. |
How do you use this nasal spray correctly?
Many people use nasal sprays incorrectly, which means they don't get the full benefit from the medicine. Okay, let's see how to do this properly.
1. Step 1: Clean your nose: Before using the spray, clean your nose thoroughly (like a nose job).
2. Step 2: Shake the bottle: Shake the spray bottle well before use.
3. Step 3: Correct posture: Tilt your head slightly forward. Do not look straight up.
4. Step 4: Spraying:
- Hold the spray bottle with your right hand and spray into your left nostril.
- Hold the spray bottle with your left hand and spray into your right nostril.
- Do not let the tip of the spray hit the septum in the middle of your nose. Keep it towards the outside of your nose. This is very important.
- As you spray, take a deep breath through your nose. Do not sniff. Doing so can cause the medicine to go down your throat.
5. Step 5: Cleaning: When finished using, wipe the tip of the spray with a clean tissue and close the cap.
Use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dosage. Don't stop suddenly because you feel better after using it for two or three days. Use it for the full course of treatment.
Can children use this?
Yes, sometimes doctors prescribe this medicine to children over 6 years old. But only the doctor decides. You need to be very careful when giving it to children.
What to do if you use too much medicine or miss a dose?
If you use too much medicine by mistake (Overdosage):
Do not panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
If you miss a dose (Missed Dose):
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When you take this medicine, it may interact with some other medicines, such as alcohol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Things that can collide | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Side effects like drowsiness and dizziness can be very severe. That's dangerous. |
| Sleeping pills, medications for mental illness | These also cause drowsiness, so taking them with Olopatadine may increase that drowsiness. |
| Other allergy medications (e.g. Piriton) | Side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth may increase. |
| Some painkillers (Opioids) | Since these also cause drowsiness, the effect may be increased when taken together. |
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve or get worse , see your doctor again.
- This medicine may make some people feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- You may experience a dry mouth . Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
- If you drink alcohol, the side effects that this medicine can cause are many. Therefore, it is best to stay away from alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. Let's break them down into two categories.
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Frequent nosebleeds | If you are bleeding frequently or heavily, not just lightly. |
| Sores or crusts inside the nose | If painful sores develop inside the nose. |
| A whistling sound coming from the nose | If you constantly hear a whistling sound coming from one or both nostrils when breathing. |
| Symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness | You may feel a little sleepy in the first few days. |
| Change in taste in the mouth | If the medicine goes down your throat, it can sometimes taste bitter. |
| Headache, cough | These usually go away in a few days. |
| A slight sore throat or runny nose | You may feel a slight burning sensation and discomfort after applying the spray. |
Take-Home Message
- Olopatadine is a nasal spray used to treat allergies. Use this only on the advice of a doctor .
- Before using the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, any other medications you are taking, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Using the nasal spray correctly is very important for the success of the medication. Point the tip of the spray towards the outside of the nose, not the middle wall of the nose.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. Also, be careful when driving as it may cause drowsiness.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or frequent nosebleeds, seek medical advice immediately.
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