Olopatadine + Ketorolac Eye Drops: Uses, Brands & Dosage

Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are a combination medicine used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, especially when there is significant discomfort and inflammation, by reducing allergy symptoms and inflammation without using steroids.

Drug class	Combination
Type	Combination
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.1% + 0.4-0.5%
Common Indian brands	Multiple Indian brands
Prescription status	Prescription

What Olopatadine + Ketorolac is used for

Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are prescribed by ophthalmologists at Pristine Eye Hospitals to help patients suffering from:

Allergic Conjunctivitis with significant discomfort and inflammation: This condition occurs when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, watering, and a feeling of grittiness. This medicine is particularly useful when these symptoms are severe and accompanied by notable inflammation.

By targeting both the allergic reaction and the inflammation, this combination eye drop provides comprehensive relief for your eyes.

How it works

Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops work through a dual-action mechanism to provide effective relief for allergic conjunctivitis. This medicine combines two active ingredients, each with a specific role:

Olopatadine: This is an anti-allergy component. When your eyes come into contact with allergens (like pollen or dust), your body releases natural substances, such as histamine, which cause allergic symptoms like itching, redness, and watery eyes. Olopatadine works by blocking the action of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing the allergic reaction.
Ketorolac: This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing inflammation and pain in the eyes. Inflammation is a key part of allergic conjunctivitis, contributing to discomfort, redness, and swelling. Ketorolac helps to calm this inflammation, providing significant relief from discomfort.

The combination of an anti-allergy drop and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory provides comprehensive relief. This approach is particularly beneficial because it offers the advantages of reducing both allergy symptoms and inflammation without the risks associated with steroid use, which can sometimes be necessary but come with their own set of precautions.

How it’s used

Using your eye drops correctly is crucial for their effectiveness and your eye health. For Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops, the typical dosing instruction is:

1 drop twice a day.

Always follow the specific instructions given by your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals. Do not change your dose or stop using the medicine without consulting them.

Here’s a general guide on how to properly instil eye drops:

Wash Your Hands: Always start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eyes.
Prepare the Bottle: Gently shake the bottle if instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure the dropper tip is clean and not touching any surface.
Tilt Your Head Back: Tilt your head back slightly and look upwards. You can also lie down if that’s more comfortable.
Create a Pouch: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pouch.
Administer the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, directly over your eye. Squeeze the bottle gently to release one drop into the pouch you created. Be careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to avoid contamination.
Close Your Eye Gently: After instilling the drop, close your eye gently for a minute or two. Avoid blinking excessively or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
Apply Pressure (Optional): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute. This helps to keep the medicine in your eye and prevents it from draining into your tear duct.
Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine.

If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

Multiple Indian brands

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Good to know

Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Precautions & side effects

When using Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops, it is important to be aware of certain precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment:

Prescription Medicine: This is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Never self-medicate or use an old prescription without consulting your doctor.
Steroid Avoidance: This combination is particularly useful when the use of steroids needs to be avoided. Your doctor will determine if this is the right choice for your condition.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on whether you should remove them before instilling the drops and how long to wait before reinserting them. Generally, it’s advisable to remove contact lenses before using eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
Contamination: To prevent contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper bottle to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Storage: Store the eye drops as instructed by your pharmacist or doctor, typically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Side Effects: While generally well-tolerated, like all medicines, Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops can have side effects. Common side effects might include temporary stinging or burning upon instillation, blurred vision, or eye irritation. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or if your symptoms worsen, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Allergic Reactions: If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction to the eye drops (e.g., severe itching, swelling of the eyelids, rash), stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical attention.
Other Medications: Inform your ophthalmologist about all other medications you are currently taking, including other eye drops, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
Driving and Operating Machinery: If you experience temporary blurred vision after using the drops, wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery.

Always remember that this information is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals is the best person to guide you on the appropriate use and precautions for your specific condition.

Welcome to Pristine Eye Hospitals. We understand that dealing with eye conditions can be concerning, and we are here to provide you with clear, helpful information. This page focuses on Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops, a medicine often prescribed for specific eye allergies. Understanding your condition and how to use your medication correctly is a vital part of your treatment journey.

Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes react to substances called allergens. These allergens can be anything from pollen (especially during certain seasons), dust mites, pet dander, mould spores, or even certain cosmetics. When your eyes come into contact with these allergens, your immune system overreacts, leading to a cascade of symptoms. The conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids, becomes inflamed.

Common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:

Itching: This is often the most prominent and bothersome symptom.
Redness: Your eyes may appear bloodshot due to dilated blood vessels.
Watering: Excessive tear production is common.
Swelling: Your eyelids might appear puffy.
Burning or gritty sensation: A feeling that something is in your eye.
Light sensitivity: Some people may find bright lights uncomfortable.

While allergic conjunctivitis is generally not serious or contagious, it can be very uncomfortable and significantly impact your daily life. Identifying and avoiding your triggers is the first step in managing the condition. Your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals will help diagnose your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include medicines like Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops, especially when inflammation and discomfort are significant.

Correct Eye Drop Instillation and Hygiene

Properly using your eye drops is essential for them to work effectively and to prevent complications like infection. Many people find instilling eye drops a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:

Always Wash Your Hands: This is the golden rule. Before touching your eyes or the eye drop bottle, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This prevents germs from your hands from entering your eyes.
Check the Bottle: Before each use, quickly check the expiry date on the bottle. Do not use expired medication. Ensure the dropper tip is clean and hasn’t touched any surfaces. If the tip appears damaged or contaminated, do not use it.
Prepare for Instillation: Gently shake the bottle if the instructions on the label or your doctor advise it. Remove the cap and place it on a clean surface, making sure the inside of the cap doesn’t get dirty.
Positioning: Tilt your head back slightly and look up towards the ceiling. You can also lie down on your back if that feels more stable.
Create a Pouch: With the index finger of one hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket or pouch.
Administer the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the tip directly above your eye. Try to keep your hand steady. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pouch you created. Be very careful not to let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelashes, or any other surface. Touching the tip can contaminate the medicine.
Close Your Eye Gently: After the drop is in, close your eye gently for about one to two minutes. Avoid blinking rapidly or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out of your eye before it has a chance to be absorbed.
Apply Gentle Pressure (Optional but Recommended): While your eye is gently closed, you can place a clean finger on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) and apply gentle pressure for about a minute. This helps to prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and ensures it stays in your eye longer.
Wipe Away Excess: Use a clean tissue to gently blot any excess liquid that may have spilled onto your cheek or around your eye.
Replace the Cap: Immediately replace the cap on the bottle, making sure it’s securely tightened.
Wash Your Hands Again: Wash your hands once more to remove any residual medication.

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications. This allows each drop to be absorbed properly and prevents one drop from washing out the other. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s specific instructions regarding the sequence if you are using multiple drops.

General Eye Care, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good eye hygiene and proper storage of your medication are crucial for your eye health and the effectiveness of your treatment. Here are some general guidelines:

Storage: Store your Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops as directed by your pharmacist or ophthalmologist. Typically, this means keeping them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not freeze the drops unless specifically instructed.
Discard After Opening: Eye drops are usually sterile when first opened. However, once opened, they can become contaminated over time. Most eye drop bottles should be discarded 28 days after opening, even if there is still medicine left. Always check the specific instructions on the packaging or ask your pharmacist. Mark the opening date on the bottle to help you remember.
Never Share Eye Drops: Eye drops are prescribed for individual use. Sharing eye drops can spread infection from one person to another.
Avoid Self-Medication: Never use eye drops that were prescribed for someone else, or reuse an old prescription without consulting your ophthalmologist. Your eye condition might have changed, or the old medicine might no longer be appropriate.
Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you on their use. In most cases, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before instilling eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. This prevents the medicine from interacting with or being absorbed by the contact lens material.
When to See a Doctor: While Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are effective for allergic conjunctivitis, it’s important to know when to seek further medical attention. Contact your ophthalmologist at Pristine Eye Hospitals immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days of using the drops.
- You develop new symptoms, such as severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or intense sensitivity to light.
- You notice any signs of an allergic reaction to the eye drops, such as severe itching, swelling of the eyelids, rash, or difficulty breathing.
- You suspect your eye might be infected (e.g., discharge, sticky eyelids, severe redness).
- You accidentally injure your eye or suspect a foreign object is lodged in it.

Your vision is precious, and at Pristine Eye Hospitals, we are committed to providing you with the best possible care. Always follow your ophthalmologist’s advice and do not hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of your treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What are Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops used for?

Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, especially when patients experience significant discomfort and inflammation due to the allergy.

How do Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops work?

These eye drops work as a combination medicine. Olopatadine is an anti-allergy component that blocks substances causing allergic reactions, while Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and discomfort. Together, they provide relief without the use of steroids.

What are the common Indian brands for Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops?

Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are available under multiple Indian brands.

How should I use Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops?

The typical dosing is 1 drop twice a day. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your ophthalmologist for correct usage.

Do I need a prescription for Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops?

Yes, Olopatadine + Ketorolac eye drops are a prescription eye medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

What precautions should I take while using these eye drops?

Use only as directed by your ophthalmologist. This medicine is useful when steroids need to be avoided. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. If you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor about when to remove and reinsert them. Avoid touching the dropper tip to prevent contamination.

References

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.