Yes, Pataday is available over the counter in the United States. The FDA approved all three Pataday formulations for nonprescription sale in 2020, so you can pick them up at any pharmacy or retailer without a prescription.
How Pataday Became Over the Counter
Pataday was originally a prescription-only eye drop. The FDA switched two formulations to OTC status on February 14, 2020: the 0.1% strength (now sold as Pataday Twice Daily Relief) and the 0.2% strength (Pataday Once Daily Relief). A few months later, on July 13, 2020, the highest concentration, 0.7%, was also approved for OTC sale as Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength.
All three versions are approved for temporary relief of itchy eyes caused by pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair, or dander. The two stronger formulations also carried that same indication, while the 0.1% version additionally covers eye redness from those allergens.
Three Strengths, Two Dosing Schedules
The main practical difference between the three products is how often you use them:
- Pataday Twice Daily Relief (0.1%): One drop in each affected eye every 6 to 8 hours, providing roughly 12 hours of coverage per dose.
- Pataday Once Daily Relief (0.2%): One drop per eye, once a day, lasting a full 24 hours.
- Pataday Once Daily Relief Extra Strength (0.7%): One drop per eye, once a day, also providing 24-hour relief at the highest available concentration.
If you want the simplest routine, the once-daily options mean a single drop in the morning covers you through the day. The twice-daily version costs less but requires you to remember a second dose.
Cost and Generic Options
A 5 mL bottle of the 0.1% strength typically runs between $10 and $18 without insurance. Generic versions of olopatadine (the active ingredient in Pataday) are approved and generally cost less. Store-brand allergy eye drops with the same active ingredient are increasingly common at major pharmacies and retailers, so it’s worth checking for those if price matters to you.
Contact Lens Instructions
If your eyes are red, you should not wear contact lenses at all. If your eyes aren’t red and you do wear contacts, remove them before applying Pataday drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before putting your lenses back in. This waiting period exists because the drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride, which can absorb into soft contact lenses and irritate your eyes over time.
Side Effects to Know About
Most side effects are mild and local to the eye. The most commonly reported ones include temporary burning or stinging when you put the drop in, blurred vision right after application, dry eyes, and an odd taste in the back of your throat (the drop can drain through your tear ducts into your nasal passages, which is normal). Some people also notice a brief unusual sensation in the eye.
Stop using the drops and contact a doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in your vision, or if your itching actually gets worse or doesn’t improve after three days of use. These are uncommon but worth watching for.
Who Can Use It
Pataday is considered safe for adults and children aged 2 and older. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children under 2. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before starting any new eye drops, including OTC ones.
Because Pataday works by blocking histamine at the surface of the eye rather than throughout your whole body, it avoids the drowsiness that oral allergy medications often cause. That makes it a good option if you primarily have eye symptoms and want targeted relief without systemic side effects.