PRINCETON, N.J. — Sandoz Inc. has launched olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.2%, an antihistamine for itchy eyes, in the United States.

Sandoz said the product is an authorized generic version of Pataday eye drops from Alcon. Both Sandoz and Alcon are subsidiaries of Novartis.

A mast cell stabilizer, olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.2% is indicated for the treatment of ocular itching related to allergic conjunctivitis.

Pataday totaled U.S. sales of approximately $293 million for the 12 months ended in April, according to IMS Health data reported by Sandoz.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to further drive access to this critical medicine in the U.S. market,” stated Peter Goldschmidt, president of Sandoz. “By working internally with the Novartis group, Sandoz is able to deliver a wide range of ophthalmic dosage forms that require high technical expertise.”