1. Introduction
Arzep is a brand name for olopatadine, a dual-action ophthalmic solution with:
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Potent antihistamine (H1-receptor antagonist)
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Mast cell stabilizing properties
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Anti-inflammatory effects
2. Key Specifications
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Generic Name:Â Olopatadine hydrochloride
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Brand Names:Â Arzep (India), Pataday (international)
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Dosage Forms:
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Eye drops (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.7% concentrations)
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Nasal spray (also available in some markets)
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Manufacturer:Â Sun Pharma (Arzep brand)
3. Therapeutic Advantages
✔ Dual mechanism (immediate + preventive action)
✔ 12-24 hour duration with single dose
✔ Minimal ocular side effects
✔ Suitable for long-term use
4. Mechanism of Action
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H1-receptor antagonism (immediate relief)
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Mast cell stabilization (prevents mediator release)
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Inhibits:
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Histamine release
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TNF-α production
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Eosinophil infiltration
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5. Approved Indications
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Allergic conjunctivitis
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Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
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Giant papillary conjunctivitis (off-label)
6. Dosage & Administration
Standard Dosing:
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0.1% solution:Â 1 drop in affected eye(s) BID
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0.2%/0.7% solution:Â 1 drop QD
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Nasal spray:Â 2 sprays/nostril BID (if available)
Administration Tips:
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Wash hands before use
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Avoid touching dropper tip
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Wait 5 minutes between different eye medications
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Discard 4 weeks after opening
7. Safety Profile
Common ADRs (≤5%):
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Mild burning/stinging (15-20%)
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Headache (3-5%)
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Dry eye (2-3%)
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Bitter taste (nasal formulation)
Rare Effects:
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Corneal edema
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Eye pain
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Allergic reactions
8. Pharmacokinetics
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Onset:Â Within 3 minutes
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Duration:Â Up to 24 hours (0.7% formulation)
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Systemic absorption:Â Minimal (<0.01%)
9. Comparative Advantages
Parameter | Olopatadine | Ketotifen |
---|---|---|
Mechanism | Dual | Dual |
Dosing | QD-BID | BID-QID |
Burning | Less | More |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
10. Important Precautions
âš Â Contraindications:
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Hypersensitivity to components
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Contact lens use (wait 10 minutes after instillation)
âš Â Special Populations:
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Pregnancy: Category C (use cautiously)
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Children: Safe above 3 years
âš Â Drug Interactions:
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Minimal systemic interactions
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May potentiate other ocular sedatives
11. Storage Requirements
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Store at 15-25°C
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Keep bottle tightly closed
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Protect from light
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Do not freeze
12. Clinical Pearls
• First-line choice for moderate-severe allergic eye disease
• Superior comfort compared to other antiallergy drops
• Can be used seasonally or year-round
• Consider 0.7% formulation for better compliance
13. Conclusion
Arzep provides effective, comfortable relief for allergic eye conditions through its unique dual mechanism. Its favorable safety profile and convenient dosing make it a preferred choice for both acute and chronic ocular allergy management.
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