The drug "Opatanol": reviews of doctors

Doctors all over the world are sounding the alarm. Today, the fight against allergies goes to one of the first places in their work. Among the many symptoms, one of the most common ones is just allergic conjunctivitis. In Russia, the drug "Opatanol" appeared relatively recently. Many patients write that eye drops well stop allergic manifestations and have a preemptive effect in preventive use. On how to evaluate "Opatanol" reviews of doctors, read this article.

How to distinguish an allergy from other eye diseases?

Most drugs designed to stop the manifestation of allergies, do not apply in the practice of treatment of other diseases, this fully applies to "Opatanol." The drug is designed to alleviate allergy symptoms on the eyes, is applied only locally and is ineffective in other eye diseases. Thus, allergic manifestations in the eyes - it is an allergic conjunctivitis, in which there are a number of unpleasant symptoms:

• Swelling, redness of eyelids, eye area.
• Redness of the conjunctiva (mucous eyes and eyelids),
• Strong itching of the eyes, burning sensation.
• Abundant and non-stop lachrymation.

As a rule, conjunctivitis is also associated with rhinitis and sinusitis of an allergic nature. But they are absent in allergic conjunctivitis for insect bites or cosmetics.

What can cause allergy?

These unpleasant symptoms arise as a reaction to an allergen-stimulus. Among such stimuli may be:

• Natural factors: pollen of plants, dust, animal fur, insect bites.
• Cosmetic products: soap, decorative cosmetics, shampoos, gels, etc.
• Household irritants: dust, household chemicals, building mixtures and materials.

With the appearance of the first signs of an allergy in the eyes, it is very important to stop the symptoms, for which eye drops are used.

As a drug that can effectively eliminate allergic conjunctivitis, doctors often prescribe "Opatanol" (eye drops). The patient's feedback also indicates that in many cases these drops give a good and fast result when applied. However, patients often complain about the high cost of the product. So, why do doctors prescribe so often this drug?

Opatanol: composition

"Opatanol" has a complex composition, but the main active ingredient is only olopatanol hydrochloride. The remaining components are preservatives (benzalkonium chloride) and stabilizers (disodium phosphate, sodium chloride), as well as water.

Pronounced antihistamine and weak anti-inflammatory effect Possesses "Opatanol" (eye drops). Scientists testify that this is provided by preventing olopatanol release of histamine and producing them cytokines, as well as stabilizing the membranes of mast cells, suppressing their functional activity.

Mode of action of the drug

The result of this action is a decrease in the permeability of the vessels, which in turn leads to a reduction in the possible contact of the allergen with mast cells of the mucous eye, which eliminates unpleasant allergic symptoms. In this case, the drug does not affect other receptors (histamine H1, dopamine, cholinergic receptors and serotonin).

With prolonged use, the drug accumulates in the body, but no adverse effects on the receptors and the body as a whole are not detected. Its long-term use does not require correction of dosages. The most pronounced antiallergic effect is 2 hours after instillation of the drug "Opatanol" (drops). The doctors' testimonies show that long-term use does not cause addiction and the therapeutic effect does not decrease.

When does this drug have a beneficial effect?

Ophthalmologists appoint "Opatanol" for all types of allergic manifestations:

• With seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
• With spring keratoconjunctivitis.
• With hay fever.
• For the prevention of seasonal manifestations of allergies.

The drug is indicated for long-term use, it can be used up to 4 months. However, in a number of cases, prolonged use can cause dry eye syndrome, so "Opatanol", reviews of ophthalmologists confirm this, recommend to use together with drugs that moisturize the cornea of the eye.

Long-term use of these eye drops for preventive purposes (2 weeks before the beginning of flowering plants) allows to avoid the use of corticosteroids. And in case of their simultaneous use, the action of the latter is strengthened by "Opatanol". The doctors' comments mark a significant increase in their overall therapeutic effect.

The drug is well tolerated by children, effectively removes allergic manifestations, can be used for a long time. So characterize the drug "Opatanol" (eye drops) reviews. For children, ophthalmologists also appoint it.

In what cases will this drug not be of use?

It is not recommended by oculists to use this drug for the treatment of other types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, in these cases does not advise also to apply "Opatanol" instruction for use. The doctors say that such treatment will not be of use.

Therefore, before using Opatanol, it is better to go to a doctor, especially since the drug is sold in pharmacies according to a prescription.

When this drug can not be used?

To absolute contra-indications to application will be carried also:

• Allergic reactions to the constituents of the medication (including olopatanol);
• pregnancy;
• Time of breastfeeding;
• Infant up to 3 years.

Ophthalmologists and the instruction note that the study of the application for pregnant and lactating women of the drug is not described. However, in cases where the expected benefit exceeds the possible harm, appoint "Opatanol". Reviews (for children over 3 years of age the medication is successfully used) Argue that It should be administered only under the supervision of a doctor.

What do they write about side effects?

Among the side effects are often called dry eyes with prolonged use. Therefore, many ophthalmologists recommend to apply simultaneously with "Opatanol", which in itself is not cheap, and drops from the dryness of the eyes (such as "artificial tear"). And they also do not differ in budget prices.

Another disadvantage patients and ophthalmologists call the appearance of discomfort during instillation, such as burning, blurred vision, short-term reddening of the mucous eye (in this regard, it is not recommended to get behind the wheel of the car immediately after instillation).

The appearance of allergic manifestations on the component drops is most often noticed by doctors when using these eye drops as a warning of seasonal allergies (alas!).

Undesirable manifestations are rare or extremely rare, which makes this drug in demand.

About analogues

Drugs for the treatment of allergic manifestations in the eyes of a lot. Among the budgetary counterparts can be called "Allergodil", "Lecrolin", "Alergokrom", "Iphiril". In one with the "Opatanol" of the price category will be "Kromo Sandoz", "Lastakaft", "Ketotifen".

Most drugs are aimed at eliminating allergic symptoms. And they have a similar effect. At the same time, "Opatanol" receives good reviews more often, there are no drugs with the same active substance.

Instead of concluding

In general, ophthalmologists in describing this drug note its rapid action and high efficiency. And also say that the drug is not addictive and can be used for a long time without affecting the body as a whole.

Among the advantages of many patients are called only 2-fold instillation per day and compatibility with almost all local ophthalmic drugs. Very often, "Opatanol" reviews ophthalmologists and patients receive positive.

Among the disadvantages of patients is its high cost, the shelf life after the opening of only 14 days. And doctors note the need for additional instillation of preparations for moistening the cornea.