Doctors around the world are sounding the alarm. Today, the fight against allergies comes to one of the first places in their work. Among the many symptoms, one of the most common will be just allergic conjunctivitis. The drug "Opatanol" has recently appeared in Russia. Many patients write that eye drops are good in stopping allergic manifestations and have a proactive effect in prophylactic use. About how doctors evaluate Opatanol reviews, read this article.
How to distinguish allergies from other eye diseases?
Most drugs designed to stop the manifestations of allergies are not used in the practice of treating other diseases, this fully applies to "Opatanol". The drug is designed to stop the symptoms of allergies in the eyes, it is used only locally and is ineffective in other eye diseases. So, allergic manifestations in the eyes are an allergic conjunctivitis, in which a number of unpleasant symptoms occur:
- Swelling, redness of the eyelids, areas around the eyes.
- Conjunctival redness (mucous membranes of the eyes and eyelids),
- Severe eye itching, burning sensation.
- Profuse and non-stop lacrimation.
As a rule, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis also join conjunctivitis. But they are absent in allergic conjunctivitis for insect bites or cosmetics.
What can cause allergies?
These unpleasant symptoms occur as a reaction to an allergen-irritant. Among these irritants may be:
- Natural factors: plant pollen, dust, animal hair, insect bites.
- Cosmetics: soap, decorative cosmetics, shampoos, gels, etc.
- Household irritants: dust, household chemicals, building mixtures and materials.
When the first signs of an allergy appear on the eyes, it is very important to stop the symptoms, for which eye drops are used.
As a drug that can effectively eliminate the manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis, doctors often prescribe "Opatanol" (eye drops). Patient reviews also indicate that in many cases these drops give a good and quick result when used. However, often patients complain about the high cost of the drug. So, why do doctors prescribe this drug so often?
Opatanol: Composition
"Opatanol" has a complex composition, but the main active ingredient is only olopanol alcohol hydrochloride. The remaining components are preservatives (benzalkonium chloride) and stabilizers (disodium phosphate, sodium chloride), as well as water.
Severe antihistamine and mild anti-inflammatory effect possesses "Opatanol" (eye drops). According to scientists, this is due to the prevention of histamine release by olopatanol and the production of cytokines, as well as stabilization of mast cell membranes and suppression of their functional activity.
The mode of action of the drug
The result of the action is a decrease in vascular permeability, and this, in turn, leads to a decrease in the possible contact of the allergen with the mast cells of the eye mucosa, which eliminates unpleasant allergic symptoms. Moreover, the drug does not affect other receptors (histamine H1, dopamine, cholinergic receptors and serotonin receptors).
With prolonged use, the drug accumulates in the body, but no negative effects on the receptors and the body as a whole have been detected. Its long-term use does not require dosage adjustment. The antiallergic effect is most pronounced 2 hours after instillation of the drug "Opatanol" (drops). Reviews of doctors indicate that prolonged use is not addictive and the therapeutic effect is not reduced.
When does this drug have a beneficial effect?
Ophthalmologists prescribe "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 some cases, prolonged use can cause dry eye syndrome, therefore, "Opatanol", reviews of ophthalmologists confirm this, it is recommended to use along with drugs that moisturize the cornea of the eye.
Prolonged use of these eye drops for prophylactic purposes (2 weeks before the start of flowering plants) avoids the use of corticosteroids. And in case of their simultaneous use, the action of the latter enhances Opatanol. Reviews of doctors note a significant increase in their overall therapeutic effect.
The drug is well tolerated by children, effectively relieves allergic manifestations, and can be used for a long time. So characterize the drug "Opatanol" (eye drops) reviews. For children, ophthalmologists also prescribe it.
In what cases is the use of this medicine not beneficial?
It is not recommended by oculists to use this drug for the treatment of other types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, in these cases it is also not recommended to use the "Opatanol" instructions for use. Reviews of doctors say that such a treatment will not bring benefits.
Therefore, before using "Opatanol" it is better to go to the doctor, especially since the drug is sold in pharmacies with a prescription.
When to use this drug is impossible?
Absolute contraindications for use will also include:
- allergic reactions to the components of the drug (including olopanol);
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding time;
- infant age up to 3 years.
Ophthalmologists and instruction note that studies on the use of the drug for pregnant and breast-feeding women are not described. However, in cases where the expected benefit exceeds the possible harm, "Opatanol" is prescribed. Reviews (for children over 3 years old, the medication is successfully used) claim that it should be prescribed only under the supervision of a doctor.
What do they write about side effects?
Among the side effects, dry eyes are often called with prolonged use. Therefore, many ophthalmologists recommend using simultaneously with "Opatanol", which in itself is not cheap, and drops from dry eyes (like an "artificial tear"). And they also do not differ in budget prices.
Another drawback is that patients and ophthalmologists call the appearance of unpleasant sensations during instillation, such as burning, blurred vision, short-term redness of the mucous membrane of the eye (in this regard, it is not recommended to drive a car immediately after instillation).
The appearance of allergic manifestations of the constituent drops is most often noted 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
There are a lot of medicines for the treatment of allergic manifestations in the eyes. Among the budget counterparts we can name Allergodil, Lecrolin, Allergocrom, and Ifiril. In the same price category as “Opatanol” there will be “Kromo Sandoz”, “Lastakaft”, “Ketotifen”.
Most drugs are aimed specifically at eliminating allergic symptoms. And have a similar effect. Moreover, Opatanol receives good reviews more often, there are no drugs with the same active substance.
Instead of a conclusion
In general, ophthalmologists in the description of this drug note its rapid action and high efficiency. And they 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, many patients call only 2-fold instillation per day and compatibility with almost all local ophthalmic preparations. Very often, Opatanol receives positive feedback from ophthalmologists and patients.
Among the minuses, patients are called its high cost, the shelf life after opening is only 14 days. And doctors note the need for additional instillation of drugs to moisturize the cornea.