Eye Drops · Antihistamine + mast cell stabilizer eye drops
Olopatadine (Pataday): OTC Allergy Eye Drops + Rx Options
Brand names: Pataday, Patanol, Pazeo
Last reviewed June 9, 2026 · Medically reviewed by AllergyCenter
Get Olopatadine
Buy generic — OTC
Generic Olopatadine 0.2% Once Daily Eye Drops
2.5 mL bottle (~25 doses)
- Same active ingredient as the brand
- Free shipping (3–5 business days)
- No prescription needed
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Need a prescription?
Allergist Review — $49
For prescription strengths, combination products, or higher doses.
- Pazeo 0.7% (prescription-strength olopatadine)
- Combination plan with oral antihistamines + nasal spray for full coverage
- Refill of a working prescription
Reviewed within 24 hours. Rx sent to your pharmacy or shipped to your door.
Olopatadine is the active ingredient in Pataday, one of the most effective OTC allergy eye drops. It blocks histamine to stop the itch and stabilizes mast cells to prevent more histamine from being released — so it works fast and keeps working all day.
Pataday Once Daily (0.2%) lasts up to 24 hours per drop. It's safer and more targeted than oral antihistamines for eye symptoms because the medication stays in the eye instead of going through the whole body.
Quick Facts
- Generic name
- Olopatadine hydrochloride
- Brand names
- Pataday (OTC), Patanol (Rx), Pazeo (Rx)
- Drug class
- H1 antihistamine + mast cell stabilizer (ophthalmic)
- Form
- Eye drops
- OTC or Rx
- OTC for Pataday 0.1% and 0.2%. Higher-strength Pazeo 0.7% requires a prescription.
- Typical dose
- 0.2% — one drop in each eye once daily. 0.1% — one drop in each eye twice daily.
- Age range
- 2+
- Onset of action
- Within minutes; full effect within hours
TL;DR — At a Glance
- ·Olopatadine (Pataday) is once-daily allergy eye drops for itchy, watery, red eyes.
- ·Works within minutes and lasts up to 24 hours per drop.
- ·OTC at 0.2% (once daily) or 0.1% (twice daily); Pazeo 0.7% is prescription-only.
- ·Pairs well with oral antihistamines — eye drops target the symptoms oral meds often can’t fully clear.
- ·Common side effects: mild stinging on instillation, occasional headache, dry eye sensation.
Eye drops not enough?
For chronic allergic conjunctivitis or eye symptoms that aren’t controlled, an allergist can prescribe Pazeo (higher strength) or build a combination plan with oral antihistamines and nasal sprays.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without consulting a qualified provider.