Olopatadine 0.7% Does Not Exist - Available Formulations Are Prescription-Only
Olopatadine 0.7% is not an available formulation; the prescription strengths are 0.1% and 0.2% for ophthalmic use and 0.6% for nasal spray, all of which require a prescription. 1, 2
Available Prescription Formulations
Ophthalmic (Eye Drop) Formulations
- Olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution is FDA-approved and requires prescription, dosed as one drop in each affected eye twice daily 1, 3
- Olopatadine 0.2% ophthalmic solution is FDA-approved and requires prescription, dosed once daily 3, 4
- Both concentrations are indicated for allergic conjunctivitis in patients ≥3 years of age 4
Nasal Spray Formulation
- Olopatadine 0.6% nasal spray (Patanase) is the only intranasal formulation available, requiring prescription 1, 2
- Dosing for ages 6-11 years: 1 spray per nostril twice daily 2
- Dosing for ages ≥12 years: 2 sprays per nostril twice daily 1, 2
Why No 0.7% Formulation Exists
The 0.1% ophthalmic concentration was determined through dose-ranging studies to be the optimal balance of efficacy and safety 5. Higher concentrations (0.15%) were tested but offered no additional benefit over 0.1% 5. The 0.2% formulation was developed specifically to extend duration of action to support once-daily dosing, not to increase potency 4.
Prescription Status Clarification
All olopatadine formulations in the United States require a prescription - there are no over-the-counter (OTC) versions available 1. This distinguishes olopatadine from some other antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway), which are available OTC 1.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse olopatadine with OTC antihistamine/vasoconstrictor combinations (like naphazoline/pheniramine) that are available without prescription 1. Olopatadine's dual mechanism as both an H1-antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer makes it a prescription-only medication 1, 2.