Generic name: cyclosporine ophthalmic [ SYE-kloe-SPOR-een-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Cequa, Restasis, Restasis MultiDose, Klarity-C, Verkazia, Vevye
Dosage forms: ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%; 0.1%), ophthalmic solution (0.09%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 11, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is cyclosporine ophthalmic?

Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using cyclosporine ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe eye pain, burning, or stinging after putting in the drops;

• swollen eyelids; or

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic may include:

• mild eye pain, redness, or other irritation;

• watery eyes;

• blurred vision; or

• feeling like something is in your eye.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Restasis, Eysuvis, Tyrvaya, diclofenac ophthalmic, varenicline, Xiidra, cromolyn ophthalmic

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use cyclosporine ophthalmic if you are allergic to cyclosporine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use cyclosporine ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use the medicine about every 12 hours. Remove contact lenses first.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Turn the Restasis bottle upside down a few times to gently mix the medicine before each use.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses or using artificial tears.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Cequa eye drops should be clear and colorless. Restasis eye drops should appear white in color.

Each single-use bottle is for one use only (in both eyes). Throw the bottle away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Store at room temperature. Store Cequa single-use vials in their original foil pouch.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca:

1 drop 2 times a day in each eye approximately 12 hours apart

Comments:
-This drug can be used concomitantly with artificial tears, allowing a 15 minute interval between products.

Use: To increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of cyclosporine ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using cyclosporine ophthalmic?

It may be best not to wear contact lenses if you have dry eyes. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.

What other drugs will affect cyclosporine ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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