Alacot DS 0.2%

Description

Indications Patadin Eye Drops are prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis, including itching, redness, swelling, and watery eyes. These conditions include vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Alacot DS Nasal Spray is an H1 receptor antagonist used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in both adults and children aged six years and older.

Alacot DS Tablets are effective in managing allergic rhinitis, which causes nasal membrane swelling due to airborne allergens such as pollen and mold spores. It also helps relieve symptoms of allergic skin conditions, including skin rashes, hives, swelling, itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

Pharmacology Olopatadine, the active ingredient, is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine activity in the body, thereby reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge.

Mode of Action: Olopatadine functions as an anti-allergic agent through multiple mechanisms. As a mast cell stabilizer, it prevents the release of histamine by stabilizing human conjunctival mast cells and rodent basophils. Additionally, it selectively antagonizes histamine H1 receptors, blocking their signaling pathways and inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as tryptase, prostaglandin D2, TNF-alpha, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Pharmacokinetics:

• Absorption: Peak plasma concentration occurs within 30 minutes to 1 hour following intranasal administration.
• Distribution: Olopatadine exhibits moderate plasma protein binding (approximately 55%), independent of drug concentration.
• Metabolism: It undergoes minimal metabolism, with at least six minor metabolites detected in human plasma.
• Elimination: The plasma half-life is approximately 8 to 12 hours, with renal excretion being the primary route of elimination.

Dosage and Administration

• Eye Drops:
  • 0.1%: Instill one drop in each affected eye twice daily (6-8 hour interval).
  • 0.2%: Instill one drop in the affected eye once daily.
  • 0.7%: Instill one drop in each affected eye once daily.
• Nasal Spray:
  • Adults and adolescents (12 years and older): Two sprays per nostril twice daily.
  • Children (6 to 11 years old): One spray per nostril twice daily.
• Tablet:
  • Adults: 5 mg per tablet, taken twice daily (morning and evening). Dosage may be adjusted based on age, condition, or symptoms.
  • Children (7 years and older): 5 mg per tablet, taken twice daily.
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose—do not take double doses.

Administration Instructions for Nasal Spray

1. Shake the bottle gently and remove the dust cover.
2. Hold the bottle with your index and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle and your thumb at the base.
3. Prime the spray by pressing down until a fine mist appears (especially if using for the first time or after a prolonged break).
4. Gently blow your nose to clear nasal passages.
5. Close one nostril, insert the applicator into the other, tilt the head slightly forward, and spray while inhaling.
6. Exhale through the mouth and repeat in the other nostril if required.
7. Clean the spray nozzle weekly using warm water and air-dry before reassembling.

Drug Interactions No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for Alacot DS Nasal Spray. Due to its primary renal elimination, significant interactions with liver enzyme inhibitors are not expected. Interactions involving P450 inhibition and plasma protein binding are also unlikely.

Contraindications Olopatadine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Patients should inform their doctor of any medications or pre-existing conditions to ensure safe use.

Side Effects Possible side effects, though rare, include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue (asthenia)
• Blurred vision
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Dry eyes
• Foreign body sensation in the eye
• Redness (hyperemia)
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Nausea
• Pharyngitis
• Nasal congestion (rhinitis)
• Sinusitis
• Taste alterations

Use During Pregnancy & Lactation Animal studies indicate no teratogenic effects in rats or rabbits. However, adequate studies in pregnant women are lacking. Olopatadine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Its presence in human breast milk following ocular administration is unknown; therefore, caution is advised for nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings

• Avoid using Patadin Eye Drops if eyes are red or irritated due to contact lenses.
• Soft contact lens wearers should wait at least 10 minutes after instillation before reinserting lenses, as the preservative benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed.
• Do not spray Alacot DS Nasal Spray into the eyes.
• Re-prime the nasal spray if unused for more than 7 days (release 2 sprays before use).
• Follow prescribed dosage and do not exceed the recommended amount without medical supervision.

Use in Special Populations

• Elderly: No significant differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed in older patients compared to younger adults.

Overdose Effects No specific overdose data is available for Alacot DS. However, excessive use of any medication can lead to serious consequences. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical assistance.

Therapeutic Class Ophthalmic Non-Steroidal Drugs

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature, protected from direct light.
• Do not use eye drops more than one month after opening the bottle.