Skip to main content

Patanase Nasal Spray

Generic name: olopatadine (nasal) [ OH-loe-PA-ta-deen ]
Brand name: Patanase
Drug class: Nasal antihistamines and decongestants

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 31, 2023.

What is Patanase nasal spray?

Patanase is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Patanase is a prescription nasal spray used to treat nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies.

Patanase nasal spray is for use in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Warnings

Before using Patanase, tell your doctor if you have any non-allergic conditions affecting the inside of your nose, such as a deviated septum.

Patanase may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Patanase. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Patanase if you are allergic to olopatadine.

Tell your doctor if you have other conditions that affect the inside of your nose.

It is not known whether olopatadine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Patanase. It is not known whether olopatadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

How should I use Patanase nasal spray?

Use Patanase exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Before your first use, shake the nasal spray well and prime it with 5 sprays into the air, until a fine mist appears. Spray away from your face. Prime again with 2 sprays whenever the medicine has not been used in longer than 7 days.

To use the Patanase nasal spray:

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Throw away the bottle after 240 sprays have been used, even if there is still medicine left inside. If used daily, one bottle contains enough medicine for 30 days for an adult dose or 60 days for a child's dose.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

2 sprays in each nostril twice a day

Use: For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

6 to 11 years: 1 spray in each nostril twice a day

12 years or older: 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day

Use: For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling agitated or restless and then drowsy.

What should I avoid while using Patanase?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes.

Patanase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Patanase: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Patanase and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Patanase side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Patanase?

Using Patanase with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with olopatadine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Patanase only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.