Patanase Nasal Spray: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Patanase Nasal Spray contains the antihistamine olopatadine and is used to treat nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose, in people 6 years of age and older. It works by blocking histamine, a natural chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It is available as a nasal spray and is typically used twice daily in adults and teens 18 and older.

What is Patanase Nasal Spray

Patanase is a prescription nasal spray that contains the antihistamine olopatadine. It is used to treat nasal symptoms of seasonal allergies in people 6 years and older.

Patanase Nasal Spray uses

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis.
• Pollen allergies.
• Grass allergies.
• Sneezing caused by nasal allergies.
• Itchy, runny nose caused by allergies.

Benefits of Patanase Nasal Spray

• Helps relieve nasal congestion.
• Reduces sneezing.
• Relieves an itchy nose.
• Helps reduce a runny nose.
• Improves allergy symptom control.

How Patanase Nasal Spray works

Patanase is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and congestion.

Patanase Nasal Spray dosage

Use the medication at the same time each day for the best relief. Gently blow your nose to clear it before using the spray, and shake the bottle well before each use.

Before your first use, prime the spray by releasing several sprays into the air until a fine mist appears, spraying away from your face. If you have not used the spray for more than 7 days, re-prime it by releasing a couple of sprays into the air.

Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up into your nose, and press your other nostril closed with your finger. Keep your head upright and gently inhale as you spray. Tilt your head down when using the spray, and avoid tilting your head back right after using it, to help reduce a bitter taste and prevent medicine from running down your throat.

Avoid spraying onto the center wall between the nostrils; aim directly into the nostril. Do not get this medication in your eyes.

Use only the number of sprays your doctor has told you to use. Clean the spray nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it after use. If the spray becomes clogged, gently remove the applicator and rinse it under warm water, let it dry, then put it back on the bottle and re-prime it.

This medicine is for use in the nose only; do not take it by mouth or spray it in your eyes or ears.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose; do not use two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Nasal spray

Side effects of Patanase Nasal Spray

Common

• Nosebleeds
• Sores in the nose
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat or throat pain/irritation
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Rash
• Painful urination
• Mucus drainage into the throat (postnasal drip)
• Kidney or bladder infection

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Frequent or heavy nosebleeds
• Painful sores inside the nose
• Nasal septum perforation (a hole in the cartilage between nostrils), which may cause a whistling sound when breathing
• Fever
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Severe drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, or confusion

Warnings and precautions

• Because it is used in the nose, this medicine can raise the risk of nosebleeds or sores in the nose. Tell your provider if you have a history of nasal ulcers, long-term nosebleeds, or nasal injury before starting.
• In rare cases, nasal sprays like this one have been linked to a small hole forming in the wall between the nostrils (septal perforation).
• This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may be made worse by alcohol or other medicines that cause sleepiness, such as sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or opioids.
• Tell your doctor about any non-allergic conditions affecting the inside of your nose, such as a deviated septum, before using this medicine.
• It is not known whether this medicine could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
• Drinking alcohol while using this medicine can increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
• This medicine can affect your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 39°F to 77°F (4°C to 25°C), in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Throw away the bottle after 240 sprays have been used, even if it still has medicine left inside.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a nosebleed, painful sores inside your nose, fever, or pain or burning when you urinate.
• Talk to a provider right away if you have frequent or heavy nosebleeds, nose sores, nose pain, or a whistling sound when breathing while using this medicine, since you might need to stop using it.
• Talk to a provider right away if you have symptoms of severe drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, or confusion.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, get medical help right away or contact your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Flonase
• Astepro
• Astelin